ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick was still smarting on Monday, a day after throwing two errant passes. Linebacker Nick Barnett lamented a defense that gave up too many yards and attracted too many penalties.
And coach Chan Gailey suddenly finds himself juggling a banged-up roster that's down its second left tackle with rookie Chris Hairston (right ankle) expected to miss between two and four weeks.
Injuries, interceptions and a little too much ineptness have left the Bills (4-2) plenty to recuperate from both mentally and physically in opening their bye week following a 27-24 loss to the New York Giants on Sunday.
The Bills are off until they "host" the Washington Redskins on Oct. 30 in their annual game in Toronto. That leaves the players two weeks to figure out how to regain the momentum they had established as part of a surprising start before losing two of three.
"I don't think we take satisfaction in the fact that we're better than people thought we were, because in our minds we're better than 4-2 right now," Fitzpatrick said. "We've got to come out and show it."
Hairston was starting his second game in place of Demetrius Bell (shoulder). Gailey said there's a chance
Bell could return in two weeks.
The Bills are also down at receiver, with starter Donald Jones expected to miss another two to three weeks with an ankle injury. Gailey filled that spot with backup running back C.J. Spiller, who had five catches for 39 yards against the Giants.
The defense is even more banged up. Linebacker Shawne Merriman missed Sunday's game after aggravating an Achilles tendon injury. Merriman said he'll be ready to play against Washington, though Gailey wasn't sure.
Also limping are linebacker Chris Kelsay (calf) and defensive tackle Kyle Williams, who is having tests to evaluate a left foot injury that could eventually require surgery.
Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press
