Bills vs. Texans, NFL Week 4: EJ Manuel ab injury not serious

The Buffalo Bills returned to the practice field on Wednesday to begin preparations for their Week 4 showdown with the Houston Texans this Sunday in Texas - and did so with several players missing the session, or limited in it, by injury.

First, the bit of good news. Starting linebacker Nigel Bradham missed a portion of the practice, but for the best reason: he has a newborn child. He'll play on Sunday, and that particular bit of news is pretty awesome.

EJ Manuel begins this week on the injury report, but not for an especially serious reason; he reported some ab soreness to trainers, and had to be listed as a result. He practiced fully on Wednesday, and will be on the field on Sunday. The same holds true for both Sammy Watkins (ribs) and Robert Woods (ankle).

Three players did not practice: left guard Chris Williams (back), linebacker Randell Johnson (knee), and special teams ace Marcus Easley (knee). As expected, rookie Cyril Richardson took the first-team reps in place of Williams, and will start at that spot if Williams can't play. Easley is reportedly out 4-6 weeks with a sprained MCL.

Three more players participated in practice on a limited basis: wide receiver Marquise Goodwin (illness), linebacker Keith Rivers (groin), and safety Da'Norris Searcy (ankle). It's sounding like Rivers, the starting strong-side 'backer that hasn't played since Week 1, could be on the verge of returning this week, and Searcy's status will be worth keeping an eye on against a run-heavy Texans offense, as well.