Two Bills Drive

‘Quarterback Jay Fiedler and running back Lamar Smith got through Wednesday’s practice without major complications, which increases the possibility they’ll be in the lineup Sunday at Buffalo.’

‘This much is sure when the Dolphins play the Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium on Sunday: Johnson will be the starting quarterback. Not Doug Flutie.’

‘Fiedler, who had not practiced since Nov. 17, said he felt good, but he remains listed as questionable.’

‘One year removed from a rare illness that nearly killed him, Kevin Williams finds it easy to look on the bright side.’

‘Jay Fiedler, who has been sidelined by a pinched nerve in his neck, returned to practice Wednesday and might start Sunday at Buffalo.’

‘Sidelined by a season-ending knee injury, Thomas plans to watch from a Rich Stadium skybox as the Bills play his new team, the Miami Dolphins.’

‘With only four games left in the regular season, the Buffalo Bills’ beleaguered special teams are showing no signs of crawling out of the mire in the NFL statistical rankings.’

‘The Buffalo Bills will present former standouts Darryl Talley and Ernie Warlick with the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Distinguished Service Award in an on-field ceremony prior to Sunday’s 1 p.m. game against the Miami Dolphins.’

‘Or as Wannstedt said Monday when asked if he had checked the forecast: "No, but it’s December in Buffalo, 20 degrees, right? Whatever. It will be a good challenge for us."’

‘The Dolphins are 0-5 in Buffalo in games played after Thanksgiving.’

‘When Dolphins coach Dave Wannstedt says a 9-3 record doesn’t guarantee a playoff spot, he isn’t seeking extra motivation for his team entering Sunday’s game at Buffalo. He’s speaking from experience.’

‘The Dolphins have signed Kevin Williams — no, not the former University of Miami receiver, but the ex-Jets safety who survived a life-threatening bacterial infection last year.’

‘With just under six minutes left in the fourth quarter of Tampa Bay’s 31-17 win over Buffalo on Sunday, the Bills’ nightmare recurred when Karl Williams exposed their punt team with a 73-yard runback. The score, which came after a 57-yard Chris Mohr punt, gave the Bucs a 24-14 lead with 5:34 remaining, consigning Buffalo’s comeback hopes to "Please, Lord" status.’

‘When Buffalo’s already-battered defense lost three more defensive starters during a31-17 loss to Tampa Bay, the Bills’ playoff hopes were also finished Sunday with a noticeable limp.’

‘Inexperienced to begin with, and now suddenly injury-riddled, the Bills punt and kick return squads rank at the bottom of the NFL’s 31 teams, and their punt coverage unit is 21st overall.’