ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) -Receiver Josh Reed was back in his familiar spot in the far corner of the Bills’ locker room after practice Thursday, joking and holding court with his teammates as if he hadn’t seen them in years.
For Reed, it sure felt that way after he spent most of the past three weeks in the training room rehabbing a nasty sprain to his right ankle. Asked how eager he was to finally return to action, Reed said, “Ab-so-lute-ly,” emphasizing every syllable.
“Man, it’s been dreadful sitting,” he added.
The only thing worse was watching the Bills (5-5) drop from first to last in the AFC East after losing four straight and five of six heading into Sunday’s game at Kansas City (1-9).
od to get back out there and just try to pick up where I left off.”
The Bills certainly hope so because without their slot receiver, their passing attack has lacked a second threat to draw attention away from Lee Evans.
Before he was hurt, Reed was one of the Bills’ most reliable receivers, ranking second on the team with 26 catches for 288 yards and tied for 16th in the AFC with eight catches for 116 yards on third down. Despite missing three weeks, Reed still ranks second on the team in yards receiving.
It’s no coincidence that Evans’ production has dropped significantly with Reed out. After managing 637 yards in his first seven games, Evans has combined for 63 yards in his past three, including being held without a reception in a 29-27 loss to Cleveland on Monday night.
Reed had also developed some chemistry with quarterback Trent Edwards, who used Reed as a safety valve.
“It’s just trust,” Reed said of his connection with Edwards. “If his first look’s not there, even if his second look’s not there, I’m going to be where he expects me to be.”
Edwards’ numbers have plummeted without Reed, who was hurt in the first half of a 25-16 loss at Miami on Oct. 26. In the past 14 quarters, Edwards has thrown eight interceptions, including three against the Browns.
ppy that’s happening,” Edwards said. “We should be ready to go.”
Starting safety Donte Whitner (right shoulder), his backup Bryan Scott (left knee) and starting cornerback Jabari Greer (right knee) missed practice for a second straight day on Thursday, while reserve linebacker Marcus Buggs (high ankle sprain) was listed as out.
Coach Dick Jauron said he expected Scott and potentially Greer to practice on Friday. Jauron also wouldn’t rule Whitner out from playing even if he doesn’t practice this week.
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