Numerous Bills are out against the Texans, including WR Shakir, three on defense

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — The Buffalo Bills will be without several key players for Sunday's game against the Houston Texans, with wide receiver Khalil Shakir, defensive tackles Ed Oliver and Austin Johnson and safety Taylor Rapp all ruled out by coach Sean McDermott Friday.

Oliver suffered a hamstring injury in training on Thursday, the other injuries occurred during the game. Johnson (oblique), Rapp (concussion protocol) and Shakir (ankle) did not practice this week. Shakir is the team's leading receiver through four games, catching 18 of 19 targets for 230 yards and two touchdowns. Curtis Samuel is one of the receivers who will play a larger role in his absence.

“Grateful we have Curtis and a few other guys to move around and everything,” McDermott said. “… (Shakir) is a very important player for us, a very good player and a guy that Josh has a lot of trust in and has built a good relationship with. So we’ll miss him, no doubt, but again, another chance for someone to step up.”

The Bills will have to leave tackle Dion Dawkins (hamstring) for the game as he gradually increased his practice time throughout the week and is not listed with a game status.

McDermott said he has not yet spoken with head athletic trainer Nate Breske about how long Oliver's injury will keep him out.

On the active roster, the team's defensive tackles include starter DaQuan Jones, rookie DeWayne Carter and Zion Logue, who were released from the Atlanta Falcons' practice squad this week, while Eli Ankou and Branson Deen are available on the practice squad.

Without Rapp, second-round pick Cole Bishop will make his first NFL start alongside Damar Hamlin.

Linebacker Terrel Bernard (pectoral muscle) and nickel corner Taron Johnson (forearm) were limited in practice all week and will be questionable for the game. Bernard was injured in Week 2 and Johnson has been out since the first outing in Week 1.

McDermott said he continues to feel Bernard is ahead of Johnson, who wore a non-contact jersey for Friday's practice, but that they will see how things develop as the game gets closer.

“My chest feels almost the same as it has all week, so I think it's gotten a little stronger,” Bernard said. “So, I think we’ll see where we are. I still have a few things to do (Friday, Saturday) and then we’ll move on.”