Bills' Mario Williams likely to miss game against Chiefs
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) Buffalo Bills defensive end Mario Williams isn't expected to play against Kansas City this weekend after the team's top pass-rusher missed his second day of practice on Thursday because of a foot injury.
Though coach Rex Ryan wouldn't formally rule out Williams, he said the possibility doesn't appear realistic. Ryan didn't reveal the exact nature of the injury but noted he doesn't expect Williams to miss more than one game.
Williams was hurt and did not return in the second half of a 20-13 loss.
Backup Alex Carrington will start in Williams' place in a key AFC showdown between two 5-5 teams on Sunday.
The Bills are already down one starting defensive lineman with tackle Kyle Williams set to miss his fourth straight game because of a left knee injury. Starting defensive tackle Marcell Dareus was limited in practice because of a knee injury, but is expected to play.
With Mario Williams hurt and Dareus limping against New England, the Bills considered the possibility of having offensive guard Richie Incognito fill in on the defensive line.
''I was more than willing to go in there,'' Incognito said even though he hasn't played defense since high school. ''It would've been all right. I would've just leaned on the guys over there on defense to help me with the calls and assignments.''
Starting quarterback Tyrod Taylor is expected to play after he practiced on a limited basis for a second consecutive day. Taylor took part in throwing drills for the first time since hurting his right shoulder against New England.
''He's going to be ready,'' Ryan said, referring to Taylor.
Backup receiver Marcus Easley (concussion) and starting right guard John Miller (high left ankle sprain) aren't expected to play.
The Bills defense is suddenly becoming depleted at a time when it's finally showing signs of playing up to its high-priced potential.
Though Buffalo managed just one sack against New England, the defense applied consistent pressure on Tom Brady, who finished 20 of 39 for 277 yards with a touchdown and interception. Brady had season lows in completing 51 percent of his attempts and a 72.3 passer rating.
The Patriots also produced season lows with 20 points and 18 first downs.
It was a big improvement for Buffalo following a 40-32 loss to New England in Week 2, when the Bills gave up a franchise-worst 466 yards passing against Brady.
Buffalo's defense has been inconsistent to start the season while adapting to a new system under Ryan, who took over in January.
''We grew as a defense. We learned from some of our mistakes earlier on through this season,'' defensive end Jerry Hughes said. ''I felt like we've come a long way, and guys are still growing in this defense.''
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