Jairus Byrd could have played in Bills vs. Browns

Speaking to reporters after the Buffalo Bills' 37-24 loss to the Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football, head coach Doug Marrone disclosed that free safety Jairus Byrd was healthy enough to play in the game - but that Marrone decided to hold him out of the contest.

Byrd, as you're keenly aware, has missed each of the team's first five games with plantar fasciitis. Marrone conveyed that after a pre-game workout, Byrd himself told Marrone that he was ready to play. Marrone kept him sidelined for one more contest, likely because Byrd really hasn't taken a lot of practice reps with the defense yet this season. That will begin in earnest with Byrd likely to make his 2013 season debut against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Week 6 may end up being the return date for top cornerback Stephon Gilmore, as well - if you're wont to believe what Jason La Canfora has been hearing. Given how often the Bills have been beaten over the top for long gains in their last four games, even the potential of having their top two defensive backs on the field for the next two games will do a little to dull the ache of tonight's loss and the injuries to EJ Manuel, Stevie Johnson and others.