Bills QB Edwards returns to practice

Oct 28, 2009 - 10:04 PM By JOHN WAWROW AP Sports Writer

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y.(AP) -- Trent Edwards' first priority is getting healthy before he'll worry about reclaiming his job as the Bills' starting quarterback.

Edwards practiced on a limited basis Wednesday for the first time since sustaining a concussion in a 16-13 overtime win at the New York Jets on Oct. 18. He's already been ruled out from playing against Houston this weekend.

Edwards said he's feeling better and noted that any concussion-related effects are "slowly but surely" going away. He steered away from a question about whether he'll have to unseat backup Ryan Fitzpatrick, who's led Buffalo (3-4) to two straight wins.

"That's not on the top of my mind right now," he said, noting he'll assist Fitzpatrick in preparing to make his second start. "I have a lot to think about in terms of just getting healthy and helping the team win."

Edwards' status as the starter is uncertain after coach Dick Jauron this week declined to say whether Edwards will get his job back once he's cleared to play. That decision won't come for at least another two weeks, as the Bills enter their bye after playing Houston.

Before he was hurt, Edwards was taking the brunt of the blame for an offense that had combined to score 13 points in losing its previous three games. Though the offense hasn't been much more productive under Fitzpatrick, the fifth-year player has at least been efficient in completing scoring drives.

Fitzpatrick rallied the Bills from a 13-3 deficit to beat the Jets. Despite generating 167 yards and nine first downs in a 20-9 win at Carolina last weekend, Fitzpatrick produced four scoring drives, each set up by Panthers turnovers.

Edwards declined to put a timetable on his recovery, saying he's following the advice of the team's doctors. The concussion was the second he's sustained in a little over a year.

In other injuries, starting defensive tackle Kyle Williams and fullback Corey McIntyre are not likely to play this weekend after both sprained a knee against Carolina. Safety Bryan Scott has a chance to return after missing four games with a sprained left ankle.

Tight end Shawn Nelson (migraines), right tackle Jonathan Scott (ankle) and safety Donte Whitner (ankle) did not practice.