ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- The banged-up Bills had 11 players miss practice Wednesday, including starting defensive end Chris Kelsay, who's likely to be out for Buffalo's game at Washington on Sunday because of a sprained left ankle.
Coach Dick Jauron stopped short of ruling out Kelsay, but said he was "not overly optimistic" because the third-year starter is still wearing a protective boot.
Kelsay, who was hurt tripping over teammate Kyle Williams while trying to make a tackle in a 36-14 loss at Jacksonville last weekend, said he's been playing with a torn tendon in his ankle for the past month. The problem this time is a severe bone bruise that's limiting his mobility.
The Bills' depth at defensive end could be further depleted after backup Ryan Denney aggravated a foot injury last weekend. Denney was held out of practice and his status is uncertain.
Without Kelsay and Denney, the Bills would be down to one experienced reserve, Anthony Hargrove.
Starting defensive tackle Larry Tripplett was limited in practice because of a strained abdomen.
The injury news is just as bad at running back. Rookie starter Marshawn Lynch is expected to miss his third straight game because of a sprained left ankle, while veteran backup Anthony Thomas' status is uncertain after he hurt his calf last weekend.
Jauron said he was not certain Thomas could play, which would leave the Bills with two running backs: Fred Jackson, who spent last season on Buffalo's practice squad, and rookie fourth-round pick Dwayne Wright. Jackson and Wright have combined for 111 yards on 35 carries this season.
Lynch, who leads the team with six touchdowns rushing, has begun running on his own, but has still not been cleared for contact.
Starting safety Donte Whitner was excused from practice because of a family matter and is expected to play Sunday.
Also missing practice were: TE Robert Royal (ankle), WR Roscoe Parrish (illness), reserve LBs Mario Haggan (illness) and Coy Wire (neck), reserve safety Bryan Scott (illness) and reserve cornerback Jerametrius Butler, who has already missed one game with a calf injury.
The Bills (5-6) are trying to bounce back from two straight losses to stay in the race for the AFC's two wild-card playoff berths.
Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press
