Orchard Park, NY (WGR 550) -- On Wednesday, the Buffalo Bills were without five starting defensive players during their first practice of the week. Four of that group returned to work on Thursday, but one key player missed his second straight day.
Linebacker Nick Barnett, who has played more snaps in 2012 than any other player at his position in Buffalo, did not participate due to a knee injury. Instead of working during individual drills, the linebacker instead rode the stationary bike before going to the trainer's room.
After Thursday's practice, head coach Chan Gailey addressed Barnett's status.
"We held him again today. It's not just coming back as fast," he said. "I don't think anybody has any reservations about him playing Sunday, but he just didn't get back as fast."
The four aforementioned starters that returned Thursday include safety Jairus Byrd (shin), cornerback Leodis McKelvin (groin) and defensive tackles Kyle Williams (ankle) and Marcell Dareus (shoulder). Reserve defensive tackle Spencer Johnson also participated on Thursday after sitting out the previous day with a knee injury.
Besides Barnett, the only other non-participant was center Eric Wood. His knee injury will keep him out of the Bills' upcoming contest against the Seattle Seahawks.
Both defensive end Mark Anderson and cornerback Aaron Williams took part in their second straight practice of the week. Williams is closing in on a return from his knee injury, while Anderson is on a slower track. The latter has yet to be ruled out for Sunday's game, however.
The Bills and the 8-5 Seahawks square off at the Rogers Centre in Toronto at 4:05 pm.
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