The Buffalo Bills will fly into Massachusetts on Sunday night prior to their Monday Night Football opener against the New England Patriots. After Friday's practices wrapped up, each team was required to provide the first injury report for the season - and although the Bills are considerably healthier than New England at present, at least two key reserves are unlikely to suit up for the Bills.
TE Derek Fine, who missed the final two pre-season games with a hamstring injury, did not practice on Friday and probably will not play in New England. That leaves the Bills with just two tight ends (Derek Schouman, rookie Shawn Nelson) for the game. Meanwhile, nickel cornerback Drayton Florence, who practiced on Thursday in a limited capacity, returned to the sidelines on Friday and is also unlikely to play. Reggie Corner would get nickel reps in Florence's stead, with Ashton Youboty and rookie Ellis Lankster waiting in the wings.
The one bit of good news injury-wise for the Bills is the thigh injury of DT Spencer Johnson. He's been limited in two consecutive practices, but head coach Dick Jauron was optimistic that Johnson could play in New England. If he can't go, the Bills will play with just three defensive tackles, with John McCargo rotating in with starters Marcus Stroud and Kyle Williams. Full injury report is after the jump.
| Buffalo Bills Injuries | New England Patriots Injuries |
| TE Derek Fine (hamstring) - NP | QB Tom Brady (shoulder) - FP |
| DT Spencer Johnson (thigh) - LP | RB Sammy Morris (finger) - LP |
| CB Drayton Florence (knee) - NP | WR Wes Welker (knee) - LP |
| WR Julian Edelman (ankle) - LP | |
| WR Matt Slater (elbow) - NP | |
| TE Ben Watson (hamstring) - FP | |
| C Dan Connolly (back) - LP | |
| DT Myron Pryor (calf) - NP | |
| CB Shawn Springs (knee) - LP | |
| CB Terrence Wheatley (knee) - LP | |
| S Bret Lockett (chest) - FP |
NP = No Practice; LP = Limited Practice; FP = Full Practice