Buffalo Bills

Bills lose WR Woods; RB McCoy's status uncertain

Published Dec. 21, 2015 7:33 p.m. ET

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ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) The losses are piling up for the Buffalo Bills.

Sunday's 35-25 defeat at Washington was the fourth in five weeks for the Bills (6-8) and ensured they will miss the playoffs for the 16th straight season.

The Bills also may have lost two more key players.

Wide receiver Robert Woods is likely headed for injured reserve after aggravating a groin injury. Woods was able to finish Sunday's game, but coach Rex Ryan said Monday the injury is severe enough that it will probably end his season.

Running back LeSean McCoy's status is uncertain after he left Sunday's game with a right knee injury. Ryan said McCoy was scheduled to undergo testing Monday to determine the severity of his injury.

In addition, rookie left guard John Miller aggravated an ankle injury that kept him out of two games earlier this season and his status for the final two games is uncertain.

The Bills have already placed Pro Bowl defensive tackle Kyle Williams (knee), top cornerback Stephon Gilmore (shoulder), wide receiver Percy Harvin (hip/knee) and starting safety Aaron Williams (neck) on injured reserve. Williams is eligible to return from the short-term injured reserve list, but Ryan said Monday he will not play again this season.

Two other starters, linebacker Nigel Bradham (ankle) and right tackle Seantrel Henderson (illness) have missed the past three games.

Ryan is hopeful that Bradham will be able to return this week. His replacement on Sunday, Randell Johnson, sustained a high ankle sprain and is likely out for the season, Ryan said. Rookie Tony Steward started the first game Bradham missed, and is now on injured reserve with a back injury.

Tight end Charles Clay (back) has a good chance to return after missing one game, Ryan said, as does reserve cornerback Ron Brooks (concussion).

The Bills host the Cowboys (4-10) on Sunday.

Injuries are to be expected this time of year. The Bills' losing record is a major disappointment for Ryan.

''Our expectations were set high,'' Ryan said. ''We expected to be a team that would be in the playoffs.''

The Bills' 16-year playoff drought is the longest in the four major North American professional sports, and is tied with the 1936-51 Detroit Lions for the eighth-longest in NFL history.

Ryan, who has missed the playoffs in five straight seasons dating back to his time as coach of the New York Jets, said the lack of success will likely lead to changes for the Bills, though he declined to be specific.

''What I want everybody to understand is, when your expectations are set (high), there is a consequence when you don't reach those expectations,'' Ryan said. ''This is professional football. That is what happens. Every day, you are evaluated, every game. And that goes for every coach, every player, everybody.''

The Bills finished 9-7 last season under coach Doug Marrone. It was just the second time in their 16-year playoff drought they were above .500.

Ryan still believes the Bills will be a playoff team. Just not this season.

''I think we have a good nucleus of talent. The talent it takes to go to the playoffs,'' Ryan said. ''Fundamentally, we are set up to be a really darn good football team. I truly believe that.''

Ryan also refuted a report that a rift has developed between him and general manager Doug Whaley.

''I know from my end there is a great deal of respect that I have for Doug Whaley,'' Ryan said. ''And I think the feeling is mutual.''

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AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP-NFL

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