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Buffalo Bills free safety Jairus Byrd was noticeably absent from the team's preseason finale against Detroit last Thursday, taking the opportunity to fly south to North Carolina to visit a foot specialist. He returned to the practice field with a confirmed diagnosis of plantar fasciitis.
Byrd: Has been getting plantar fasciitis examined for second opinion. Working "as much as my body can endure" to get back in lineup.
— Buffalo Bills (@buffalobills) September 1, 2013
Byrd did participate in the individual portion of practice on Sunday, but was held out of full-team activities, according to head coach Doug Marrone. Much like quarterback EJ Manuel, Byrd's Week 1 availability will be determined as the week progresses, with the coaches hoping to see him participate fully in practice on Wednesday or very soon thereafter.
The franchise-tagged free safety only began practicing with the team a week ago, and the longer he's in and out of the practice lineup, the slower his progress towards returning to the starting lineup. If he can't go against New England, expect Da'Norris Searcy to replace him in the defensive backfield, where he'll line up alongside starter Aaron Williams.