Saturday, November 15, 2008

Schobel ruled out, but Bills hope Whitner can play

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- Buffalo Bills starting defensive end Aaron Schobel (foot) will miss his fifth game, while No. 2 receiver Josh Reed (ankle) likely won't play for a third straight game Monday night.

Reed is listed as doubtful for the game against Cleveland.

Starting strong safety Donte Whitner hopes to play despite being listed as questionable.

Whitner's been nursing a separated shoulder since Buffalo's loss to the Jets two weeks ago. He missed his first game of the season last week in a loss to New England.

"I'm feeling good," Whitner said after Friday's practice. "We'll see how it goes. I expect to play, and I want to play, but it's up to [the coaches and trainers]. It depends on how I progress over the next two days."

Whitner, a Cleveland native, has been limited in practice all week, but said his range of motion with the shoulder isn't an issue. He's been getting treatment four to five times each day to help speed his recovery.

"It was a severe injury, so you have to take it one step at a time," he said. "Anytime there's a football game, I feel if it's not broken I want to be out there."

Tight end Robert Royal (ankle) and rookie receiver James Hardy (hip) are both questionable after being limited in Friday's practice.




Mixed Messages On Sevilla Injury Front
Bills WR Reed among 3 starters out for Jets game
Bills DE Schobel to limit practice with strained foot