Bills vs. Patriots injury situation: Wednesday practice report

The Buffalo Bills have wrapped up practice today, and the big news of the afternoon - aside, of course, from the announcement that EJ Manuel will be the team's starting quarterback on Sunday - is that kicker Dustin Hopkins has essentially been ruled out with a groin injury.

Bills head coach Doug Marrone did not specify the injury or a timetable on when the rookie kicker may be ready to return to the lineup, but confirmed that recently-signed veteran Dan Carpenter would handle the kicking duties against the New England Patriots.

Hopkins was one of three Bills players that did not participate in practice on Wednesday (though he was spotted at the team facility); the other two were guard Doug Legursky (knee) and cornerback Stephon Gilmore (wrist), who are both dealing with longer-term injuries.

Manuel, who is still wearing a brace on his left knee, practiced in full, and told reporters that he is considering not wearing the brace on Sunday. Jairus Byrd, who is battling plantar fasciitis, was a limited participant.