BUFFALO, N.Y. — Rex Ryan expects quarterback Tyrod Taylor will be healthy enough to start in the Buffalo Bills’ game at Kansas City this weekend.

As for the status of a number of other banged-up players, the Bills coach didn’t sound so sure.

“Really, it’s so much up in the air,” Ryan said Tuesday, during his weekly radio show on Buffalo’s WGR-AM, a day after a 20-13 loss at New England.

Ryan said it was too early to tell if defensive end Mario Williams can play because of a foot injury. And the coach ruled out starting right guard John Miller (high left ankle sprain) and backup receiver Marcus Easley (concussion).

On the bright side, Ryan said Taylor should play despite hurting his right shoulder against the Patriots.

“We’ll see how the week progresses,” Ryan said, without revealing the nature of Taylor’s injury. “But I think he’ll be ready to roll.”

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The Bills return to practice on Wednesday with a short week to contend with and a big challenge ahead at Kansas City in a game between two 5-5 teams in the thick of the AFC playoff race.

Taylor’s availability is regarded as critical because he has provided Buffalo the best chance to win this season.

The first-time starter is 5-3, while backup EJ Manuel lost both games he started last month when Taylor was sidelined by a sprained left knee.

Though Taylor finished the game against the Patriots, he was hampered by the injury to the shoulder of his throwing arm.

Taylor appeared to be hurt midway through the fourth quarter, when he tumbled hard to the ground and landed on his right side after completing a 15-yard pass to Sammy Watkins, who made a one-handed catch.

Taylor got up and began favoring his right arm. He kept adjusting his shoulder pads and occasionally held up his right hand to clutch his collar.

He showed no signs of injury two plays later in hitting Chris Hogan in stride up the right sideline for a 42-yard completion. Taylor however, began flexing his right arm once again.

Taylor then struggled on the Bills’ final drive, during which he completed 4 of 7 attempts for 30 yards. He also lost the ball while being sacked, though the fumble was recovered by offensive tackle Cordy Glenn.

Ryan was so concerned about Taylor being hurt that he was ready to insert Manuel.


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