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The Buffalo Bills returned to the practice field on Wednesday to continue their preparation for Sunday's tough home matchup with the San Diego Chargers. As ever, they did so with players missing or limited by various ailments.
Only one player missed practice on Wednesday: rookie linebacker Randell Johnson, who injured his knee in the win over Miami. If he can't play this week, the newly-signed Larry Dean would be a prime candidate to replace him on special teams; Johnson has played more special teams snaps in the first two weeks than all but five players on the roster.
Robert Woods (ankle), Stefan Charles (hip), and Keith Rivers (groin) were all limited participants on Wednesday with their respective injuries. The news is good for Rivers, who missed the Miami game after suffering his injury in the Week 1 win over Chicago. If he can play on Sunday, it could push rookie Preston Brown - who has played every snap in the first two games - back to a reserve role. As for Woods, he finished the win over Miami on Sunday, but his status bears watching heading into Thursday and Friday.
Two dinged-up players practiced in full: wide receiver Sammy Watkins (ribs) and tight end Lee Smith (toe). Watkins has played at less than 100 percent, hauling in 11 receptions for 148 yards and a touchdown. Smith has missed both games to date, but appears very close to returning to the lineup, which could be the first bad news that Chris Gragg has had this season following two solid games as Smith's replacement.