ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- Bills quarterback Trent Edwards expects to be cleared to play this weekend after missing nearly a month recovering from a concussion.
Edwards said he felt rested and refreshed after practicing Monday in Buffalo's first workout since a four-day break because of the bye week. He added he's "ready to go" but hasn't been informed if he'll start Sunday when Buffalo (3-5) plays at Tennessee (2-6).
Bills coach Dick Jauron didn't speak to reporters on Monday and has not said whether Edwards will regain his starting job once healthy. Backup quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick helped the Bills go 2-1 after Edwards was hurt in a 16-13 overtime win over the Jets on Oct. 18.
All indications are that Edwards will start after he practiced twice last week and continued working with Buffalo's top receivers, Terrell Owens and Lee Evans on Monday.
The Bills' offense has struggled no matter who has started under center. It ranks 29th in the NFL in yards gained, has failed to generate 300 yards seven times this season and produced just nine touchdowns, not including punter Brian Moorman's touchdown pass to Ryan Denney on a fake field goal.
Edwards went 50 of 92 for 500 yards with one touchdown and five interceptions in his three previous starts before getting hurt.
The Bills are getting healthier at other positions after 16 players were held out of practice last week.
Rookie safety Jairus Byrd, tied for the league lead with seven interceptions, returned to practice Monday after hurting his groin in a 31-10 loss to Houston on Nov. 1. Starting right tackle Jonathan Scott is likely to play this week after resuming practicing after missing five games with an ankle injury.
Tight end Shawn Nelson also practiced for the first time since missing two games due to migraines.
Among the starters missing practice were defensive end Aaron Schobel (groin), cornerback Terrence McGee (right knee), defensive tackle Kyle Williams (sprained knee) and linebacker Keith Ellison (strained right quadriceps). Starting strong safety Donte Whitner practiced on a limited basis, but isn't sure if he'll be ready to play this week after missing two games with an ankle injury.
Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press
