Bills rookie Woods throws punch, takes a $15,000 hit from league
Bills rookie receiver Robert Woods has even more reason to regret losing his cool and getting ejected against the Miami Dolphins last weekend.
Woods told The Associated Press on Thursday he has been fined $15,000 by the NFL for punching Dolphins safety Reshad Jones.
''I wasn't surprised;I was just waiting for when,'' Woods said, referring to the official notice he received from the league upon arriving for practice.
The altercation occurred in the third quarter of Buffalo's 19-0 win Sunday. Woods and Jones became tangled up during a running play and eventually wrestled each other to the ground. Woods was unhappy with how Jones threw him into a pile of players following the whistle. Jones was on one knee and had his back turned when Woods caught him with an uppercut across the facemask.
Woods said earlier this week he regretted losing his cool, while adding he's learned his lesson.
On the injury front, coach Doug Marrone has yet to determine whether rookie quarterback EJ Manuel will be ready to start Sunday, when Buffalo (6-9) closes its season at New England (11-4). Manuel was limited in practice for a second consecutive day and looked ''improved,'' Marrone said.
Manuel missed last week's game because of a swollen left knee, which he hurt in a 27-20 win at Jacksonville the previous weekend.
Backup Thad Lewis would make his second straight start and fifth of the season if Manuel's not ready. Lewis was listed as practicing fully despite a sore left shoulder.
Marrone is still factoring how stable Manuel's knee is and whether he has enough mobility to run the offense.
Buffalo has already been eliminated from playoff contention. The Bills do have a chance to win three straight for the first time since opening the 2011 season 3-0. With a 3-2 record against AFC East rivals, they have a chance to match their best record since the NFL realigned its divisions in 2002.
A quarterback decision could come as early as Friday, after Marrone indicated he would prefer to choose his starter sooner than later.
Safety Aaron Williams (ribs) did not practice, and is in jeopardy of missing his second straight game.
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