ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- The Buffalo Bills will be without at least two defensive starters this weekend against the New York Jets after linebacker Andra Davis and defensive end Marcus Stroud were ruled out because of injuries.
Without discussing the nature of the injuries, Bills coach Chan Gailey delivered the news after both players missed practice Thursday. Stroud hurt his left ankle during a 38-30 loss at New England last weekend, and Davis has an injured shoulder.
Starting cornerback Terrence McGee's status also is uncertain after he missed practice with what Gailey called a knee injury. It's unclear when McGee was hurt, but Gailey said it's related to an injury that bothered the player this offseason.
"We're still holding out hope," Gailey said, referring to McGee. "We'll see if he can make it tomorrow."
On the bright side, Gailey said linebacker Paul Posluszny is ready to return after missing the past two games with a sprained right knee.
Posluszny's return means he'll take over the defensive play-calling duties from Davis. Akin Ayodele has been practicing as the other middle linebacker.
Spencer Johnson is a likely candidate to replace Stroud. The Bills are deep at cornerback, with Leodis McKelvin expected to start if McGee can't play.
Buffalo's defense has been a work in progress because of injuries, and it has yet to have all 11 of its projected starters healthy after outside linebacker Reggie Torbor missed the season opener with a chest injury.
The Bills, who switched to a 3-4 scheme this offseason, have allowed a combined 72 points and 791 yards in its past two games, including a 34-7 loss at Green Bay on Sept. 19. The biggest concern is the run defense, which allowed 200 yards against the Patriots, and is facing a Jets team that had a combined 567 rushing yards in two games against Buffalo last season.
"It's a tough situation, but, man, it's just part of the deal," Posluszny said. "It's just something we've got to make the best of."
Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press
