After missing practice on Wednesday due to a lingering groin injury, Buffalo Bills receiver Stevie Johnson returned to the practice field Thursday - and did so without limitation. Reporters on scene noted that Johnson was clearly less than 100 percent; nonetheless, Johnson remains on track to play in Sunday's Week 3 showdown with the New England Patriots.
Spencer Johnson (hip) also returned to full practice participation Thursday. Torell Troup (back) was full go for a second straight day, and may be healthy enough to make his 2011 debut this weekend, should the team choose that route. Missing practice for a second straight day were Kraig Urbik (knee), Kirk Morrison (hamstring) and Terrence McGee (hamstring). Morrison was on hand to watch practice from the sidelines.
On New England's side of the ball, six players sat out Thursday: tight ends Aaron Hernandez (knee) and Dan Gronkowski (hamstring), tackle Sebastian Vollmer (back), defensive linemen Albert Haynesworth (back) and Mike Wright (concussion), and safety Patrick Chung (thumb). Seven more players were listed as limited.
Haynesworth and Gronkowski are new injuries for the Patriots. Vollmer, Haynesworth, Wright and Chung are all listed as starters by the Patriots, and we all know that Hernandez plays a significant role, as well. Early reports indicate Chung will be out.