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Buffalo Bills fans across Western New York were holding their breath as 2011's second-leading receiver limped off the field on Saturday. On Sunday, Chan Gailey confirmed that the injury to David Nelson was not serious and he would be back in the slot later this week.
"They said it’s not that bad, but it’s going to be 4 or 5 days," said Gailey of Nelson's knee injury. "It’s good that we’ve got an off day tomorrow because that’ll give him an extra day. We’ll see when he can get back. I’m hoping Wednesday or so."
Joe Buscaglia was among the reporters who spoke with Nelson after practice. The former Florida Gator said he initially thought he had a much more severe injury.
"David Nelson said he thought his knee was blown, but it's only a strained tendon," tweeted Buscaglia.
The other offensive starter who has been down is right tackle Erik Pears. Both were at this morning's walkthrough but were not at Sunday evening's practice. The veteran lineman has been out with a groin injury and has not participated since late in Friday's practice. No timetable has been set for his return and Gailey only said it was "minor". Sam Young has been taking reps in his place while Chris Hairston and Cordy Glenn battle it out on the left side.
On the defensive side of the ball, Shawne Merriman returned to practice on Sunday after sitting our Saturday with an ankle injury. He did not participate in any team work, though, as they try to keep him from re-aggravating the problem.
There is no word on DT Kellen Heard's ankle injury yet as he will likely have further tests on the nagging injury Monday. Leodis McKelvin, who was ill on Thursday afternoon, was back to practice this weekend.
The only new injury from Sunday night was cornerback Justin Rogers.
"He tweaked a hamstring. Let me get an evaluation on that," said Gailey. "I’ll have some more information later, but it’s going to be probably a four or five day deal."
The Bills have an off day on Monday and the extra rest day will hopefully heal the minor dings. Eric Wood should be a full go on Tuesday after being limited for the first four days. Gailey said Wood would participate fully following the rest day.