by By Mark Gaughan - NEWS SPORTS REPORTER , Buffalo News

However, Edwards did participate in a limited part of practice Wednesday and expressed optimism that he will recover fully from the head injury he suffered against the New York Jets on Oct. 18.

"I feel good," Edwards said. "It's good to be back here. I wasn't here last week and it was kind of lonely at the house. But I feel a lot better. I've gotten better each day, and I'm happy with where things are at."

Edwards acknowledged he's not 100 percent healthy. But he would not discuss in detail the nature of headaches he has encountered since the injury. Is he still having after-effects?

"Not too much," he said. "Slowly but surely they're all kind of going away. I'm happy with the medical attention I'm getting and the training staff here."

After Edwards suffered a concussion last October, he was practicing fully and cleared to play by the 10th day after the injury. That's not the case this year. He already has been ruled out for Sunday. Coach Dick Jauron said Edwards won't be available in any capacity against Houston, even as a third quarterback.

Edwards said he is not concerned about the long-term effect of having two concussions in 12 months.

"It's the same as any other injury, for me at least," he said. "I faced the same situation last year. It's an injury, and once you get past it there isn't any looking back. And any time you look back it's not going to help you out. I'm going to be able to do that just like I did last year."

The Bills have won two straight games under Ryan Fitzpatrick. Is Edwards worried about whether he will get his job back after next week's bye on the schedule?

"Honestly that's not on the top of my mind right now," Edwards said. "I have a lot to think about in terms of just getting healthy and helping the team win. We have a big game on Sunday, and I'm going to do everything I can this week to help Ryan out, just like he did these past couple of weeks for me. And that's my role here and my responsibility this week."

Asked about the cumulative effect of having a second concussion in a year, Edwards said: "A lot of that stuff is kind of gray, and I'm not a doctor so it's tough for me to give my opinion on it. It's obviously concerning because any head injury, whether it's your first, second or third, you're going to need to take your time and evaluate it."

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Bills defensive tackle Kyle Williams, off to a strong start to the season, probably is out this week, as is fullback Corey McIntyre.

Both suffered sprained knees at Carolina, Jauron said.

Jauron said he's not "overly optimistic" that either will face Houston. But Jauron said neither injury is serious enough that the team doctors have talked about a need for surgery.

Rookie tight end Shawn Nelson did not practice again Wednesday due to migraine headaches that have bothered him the past two weeks. Safety Donte Whitner (ankle) and tackle Jonathan Scott (ankle) also didn't practice.

It looks like Houston's star receiver, Andre Johnson, will play Sunday despite suffering a bruised chest bone last week.

"Andre ran on the side some today," Texans coach Gary Kubiak said. "I'm encouraged by what I saw today. If he doesn't have any setbacks, I feel good about him being able to play."

Linebacker Brian Cushing (foot) and free safety Eugene Wilson (groin) also missed practice. Cornerback Dunta Robinson (hamstring) was limited. All are expected to face the Bills .

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The Bills will hold their annual Gift of Warmth collection drive at the game Sunday. Fans are encouraged to bring new hats, scarves, gloves or other warm clothing for children to the stadium to be collected at the gates by volunteers for the Salvation Army. Monetary donations also will be collected. The Bills and M&T Bank are sponsoring the drive. Donations also can be made at M&T Bank locations through Dec. 31.

"All donations stay right here in the Buffalo area," said Major Robert Dixon of the Salvation Army. "Last year we served perhaps 15,000 families with warm hats, gloves and mittens."

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Bills punter Brian Moorman was named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week. Moorman punted eight times against Carolina for a 43.5-yard net average and put four punts inside the 20-yard line. Moorman ranks fifth in the NFL in net average at 41.1 yards.

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Bills defensive tackle Marcus Stroud is hosting a Pins for HOPE charity bowling tournament Friday at Manor Lanes II in Amherst. All proceeds benefit Stroud's foundation, which supports children who face physical, mental and financial challenges in a single-parent home. The cost to bowl is $100. For $250 an individual can bowl with a Bills player. Spectator admission is $25, and they will get a discount for bringing a coat, gloves, scarf or hat. Those donations will be given to the Buffalo City Mission. For information visit www.marcusstroudfoundation.com.

e-mail: mgaughan@buffnews.com

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