The Buffalo Bills returned to the practice field on Wednesday to begin preparations for their Week 3 showdown with the New England Patriots at Ralph Wilson Stadium. The team left Week 2 a bit battered and bruised, and that continued into Wednesday, with five players missing practice.

Chief among those players is star wideout Stevie Johnson, who hobbled through the final offensive series against Oakland dealing with cramps and, more importantly, a lingering groin injury. Johnson is expected to be limited throughout the practice week, but he's also expected to suit up on Sunday.

With Johnson ailing and receiver depth thin, WGR 550's Joe Buscaglia reported that third quarterback Brad Smith saw a lot of reps at receiver on the practice field.

Kraig Urbik (knee), Spencer Johnson (hip), Kirk Morrison (hamstring) and Terrence McGee (hamstring) also missed practice; Urbik and McGee were not on hand for the workout, according to several reports. However, Torell Troup (back) - who missed the first two games - was a full practice participant, and may be on track for a return to the lineup.