Bills vs. Vikings: Stevie Johnson, Kiko Alonso out

Two key Buffalo Bills starters won't suit up in Friday's preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings, but news on their respective injuries is still fairly positive.

Stevie Johnson, who has been dealing with a hamstring issue for over a week now, returned to practice on Wednesday night and did some individual work and ran a few routes against defensive backs. Though he won't suit up against Minnesota, Johnson told reporters after practice that he's aiming for a return to the lineup for their August 24 road game against Washington.

Meanwhile, rookie linebacker Kiko Alonso - who left practice early on Tuesday and didn't participate on Wednesday evening - has also been ruled out of Friday's contest. Bills head coach Doug Marrone confirmed to reporters that Alonso was medically cleared to play in the contest, but that the coach is simply being cautious with his most important linebacker. We'll likely see Alonso back in pads next week.

T.J. Graham is also out against Minnesota, so expect heavy doses of Robert Woods, Marquise Goodwin and Chris Hogan with the first-team offense. Arthur Moats will replace Alonso as the middle linebacker on the first-team defense, lining up alongside Nigel Bradham.