Defensive tackle Ed Oliver (ankle), linebacker Matt Milano (pectoral), tight end Jackson Hawes (ankle) and right tackle Spencer Brown (calf) were limited for a second consecutive practice Thursday.
Their participation, even on a limited basis, is a positive development for the Bills as they prepare to face the New England Patriots on Sunday at Highmark Stadium.
Bills cornerback Dorian Strong, right, covers Ravens tight end Charlie Kolar during the game Sunday at Highmark Stadium.
Joshua Bessex, Buffalo News
But the status of two Bills rookies on defense is suddenly a question mark ahead of the AFC East matchup. Cornerback Dorian Strong (neck) and defensive tackle T.J. Sanders (knee) were added to the injury report Thursday. Strong did not participate in practice, the team announced, while Sanders was limited with the injury.
Strong, a sixth-round draft pick, played 15 snaps on defense in Week 4 because the coaching staff wanted him to gain experience through game reps. He started the team's season-opening win over Baltimore because Tre'Davious White was out with a groin injury. Sanders, meanwhile, has played 49% of the team's snaps on defense, in large part due to Oliver missing the past three games with an ankle injury.
Linebacker Dorian Williams also missed a second consecutive practice with a leg injury that bothered him in the Bills' Week 4 win over the Saints. The Bills will likely elevate linebacker Jimmy Ciarlo from the practice squad for their game Sunday if either Williams or Milano aren't available to play. Milano has missed the past two games.
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