Bills vs. Patriots Practice Report: Brad Smith Sits

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Brad Smith missed practice on Wednesday as he rests up hip and hamstring injuries, the latter of which is giving him the most problems going into a Week 17 tilt with the New England Patriots.

It's been a weird season from Smith, a free agent signing from the New York Jets this past July. He started the season as a kick returner and Wildcat runner, and saw limited opportunities with only moderate success in that capacity. Then injuries forced him to move full-time to receiver, where he's followed up a three-game outburst (14 catches, 184 yards ans a score from Weeks 11-13) with a crash back to earth (four catches, 13 yards in his last three games).

Now, Smith - who signed a four-year, $15 million contract with Buffalo - may end his first season with the Bills on the inactive list. Just like he needed to do (and didn't) with C.J. Spiller a year ago, Chan Gailey has his work cut out for him finding a role for Smith heading into 2012.

In addition to Smith, Demetrius Bell (knee) and Kraig Urbik (knee) both missed practice, while Ruvell Martin (hamstring) was limited.