By Jay Skurski
Bills coach Chan Gailey said Stevie Johnson could have practiced today, but the team took the cautious route and held him out after his groin tightened up during Wednesday's workout.
"He could have gone out there today. We kept him out. We think he’ll be back out tomorrow, be back Saturday and ready to go Sunday. That’s what we think. That’s what’s anticipated," Gailey said shortly after practice.
Gailey said it was too soon to determine what the long-term approach to Johnson's groin injury will be.
"Let’s get through this, and then we’ll evaluate all of that. He’d been going great," the coach said. "If it’s a one-time incident, then it’s no big deal. If it looks like it’s chronic, then you’ve got an issue and you’ve got to deal with it. I’m not trying to make up problems right now."
Gailey said there's "always" concern for a player's availability for Sunday when they miss practice on Thursday, but certainly made it seem as the team is expecting Johnson to be ready for the Jets.
As for Wildcat quarterback/receiver Brad Smith, who's dealing with a groin injury of his own, he was able to make it through practice and the results were good.
"He moved around great today. We got some timing with our Wildcat so that part of it was good," Gailey said. "He took some reps at receiver, so I was shocked how well he looked. Very encouraged."
Gailey said right guard Kraig Urbik was limited in his return to practice after sitting out Wednesday with a sore lower back, but that barring any setbacks, he'd be ready for Sunday.
