PITTSFORD, N.Y. -- Bills safety Donte Whitner returned to practice Wednesday night, but could miss Buffalo's preseason opener at New Orleans Friday because of a strained hip.
Whitner, who was hurt Monday, was held out of most team drills as a precaution.
"It's a little sore, so we'll just wait on that and see how that goes," coach Dick Jauron said.
Jauron said guard Brad Butler (strained left hamstring) and reserve running back Josh Scobey (calf) will not make the trip so they can stay at training camp for treatment. Butler was competing to start at right guard before he was hurt last week.
Jauron said tests on reserve offensive lineman Aaron Merz's shoulder were negative, but the coach was not sure whether he'd play Friday. Merz has been out since Monday.
Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press
