Injuries keep Simpson, Hardy out of practice for Bills

Published: Jul 31, 2008 at 04:35 PM

PITTSFORD, N.Y. -- Buffalo Bills rookie receiver James Hardy was held out of practice Thursday night after experiencing soreness in his left hamstring.

Starting free safety Ko Simpson was absent because he was having tests on his left foot.

Hardy, the Bills' second-round draft pick, said he was held out by trainers as a precaution after tweaking his hamstring during warmups. Hardy expected to be back on the field Friday, noting that his hamstring felt better after practice at the Bills' training camp facility in suburban Rochester.

Listed at 6-foot-5, Hardy is being counted on to make an immediate impact by drawing attention away from starter Lee Evans.

Simpson arrived at camp with a half-hour left in practice, and watched from behind the end zone after having tests on his foot, which he jammed during practice Tuesday night. He practiced on Wednesday, but said he was still experiencing soreness.

Simpson broke his left ankle in the Bills' season opener last year, leading to the second-year starter being placed on season-ending injured reserve.

Coach Dick Jauron said the tests came back negative, but he has yet to fully consult with team doctors. Simpson said he was also scheduled to meet with doctors to go over the results.

Starting strong safety Donte Whitner left practice because of a stomach illness, while starting linebacker Angelo Crowell missed his third day of practice because of a sore knee.

This article has been reproduced in a new format and may be missing content or contain faulty links. Please use the Contact Us link in our site footer to report an issue.