Bills WR will likely play Chiefs

ORCHARD PARK – Wide receiver Amari Cooper still wears a soft cast to protect his injured wrist, but he believes he can play for the club Buffalo Bills on Sunday when they take on the Kansas City Chiefs at Highmark Stadium.

Coach Sean McDermott said Friday morning that Cooper and offensive tackle Spencer Brown will be limited in practice Friday and listed as questionable for the game.

Cooper has missed the last two games after getting injured in Seattle and has been listed as a limited participant in practice in recent weeks. But on Thursday he told reporters: “I’m definitely feeling better. Definitely more comfortable. So, just ready to play football again.”

When asked if the injury is problematic when catching Josh Allen fastballs, Cooper said, “It felt good. Like I said, I don’t really feel any pain or anything when I catch the ball. I just have to get used to it, catching the ball with it.”

Possible Cooper playing is a major development for the Bills, as they will be without rookie receiver Keon Coleman for the second straight week due to a knee injury.

Spencer Brown injury

As for Brown, he is dealing with an ankle injury suffered in the fourth quarter last week in Indianapolis. He missed eight plays, but returned to finish the game.

Brown, who did not practice during Wednesday’s walk through or Thursday’s full session, said Wednesday, “I just rolled the old ankle over there and it’s swollen and sore now, but the training room and myself are doing everything we can to to prepare for Sunday.”

He added that because the Bills have a bye next week, he would be in favor of playing on Sunday and then resting.

“Absolutely,” he said. “Let’s see where it will be on Sunday and if I can, but it’s not like we have a game to play after that. So I plan to get out for a bit and then rest.”

If Brown can’t play, Ryan Van Demark would get the start, and it’s possible the Bills could sign tackle Richard Gouraige from the practice squad for more depth.

“Vandy has been part of our system here for over a year or two,” McDermott said. “Works hard every day, every week, a very consistent player. Came in last week and did a great job for us, so we have confidence in him.”

Sal Maiorana reported on the Buffalo Bills for four decades, including 35 years as a full-time beat writer for the D&C, and he has written numerous books on the team’s history. He can be reached at [email protected], and you can follow him on Twitter @salmaiorana.