by By Allen Wilson - NEWS SPORTS REPORTER , Buffalo News

With defensive tackle Kyle Williams unlikely to play Sunday because of a sprained knee, Johnson is expected to make his first start for the Bills against the Houston Texans.

This is not unfamiliar territory for Johnson, who started 11 games in four seasons with the Minnesota Vikings. Nine of those starts, including two in the playoffs, came in his rookie year in 2004.

"I play a lot with our rotation anyway, so the only difference is I'll be starting now," he said after Thursday's practice. "It's always better to have everybody at full strength, but with Kyle down it's my time to step up, and I'm looking forward to the opportunity."

Johnson signed with the Bills prior to last season hoping to get more playing time. Minutes were hard to come by in Minnesota, where he spent more of his time as a backup to Pro Bowl defensive tackles Pat and Kevin Williams.

The Bills were equally intrigued by Johnson, a 6-foot-3, 286-pounder with good athletic ability who is versatile enough to play defensive end in addition to tackle. He's pretty stout against the run, and has the quickness and leverage to push the pocket as an interior pass rusher. He is a standout on special teams as well.

"I like everything about Spence," Bills coach Dick Jauron said. "He's a pretty quiet guy on the field, but he just works. He works as hard as anybody we have play in and play out, in the weight room, in the meeting room. He does everything you want him to do."

"He's got quickness off the ball. He's got a nice feel for the game, he knows what [opposing offenses] are trying to do. He can pressure the quarterback as we saw last weekend. He does a real good job, and I think he works well inside with Marcus [Stroud]. I think they know each other and have gotten to know each other better. Really happy we have Spence."

Without Williams, the Bills' defensive tackle rotation is reduced to three with John McCargo backing up Johnson and Stroud. That will make it difficult to keep the players fresh.

"It's going to be tough, but we've got to take care of each other, kind of feel each other out and know when a guy needs to come out," Johnson said. "We work well together, and I don't think that will be a problem."

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The NFL announced Thursday that Bills free safety Jairus Byrd was named the league's defensive rookie of the month. The team's second-round draft pick had a fabulous October, recording five interceptions to go along with seven pass breakups and 15 tackles.

His five picks are the most by an NFL rookie in one month since Chicago Bears safety Mark Carrier in 1990. Byrd has two interceptions in each of the last two games, both Bills wins. Three of those interceptions were converted into touchdowns by the offense. The last rookie with two interceptions in back-to-back games was Dallas Cowboys cornerback Everson Walls in 1981.

Byrd, who will start his fifth straight game Sunday, leads all rookies in interceptions and is second in the NFL behind New Orleans Saints safety Darren Sharper (six).

Byrd is the fourth Bills player to receive the rookie of the month honor, joining cornerback Leodis McKelvin (November 2008), safety Donte Whitner (September 2006), linebacker Sam Cowart (October 1998) and linebacker Gabe Northern (November 1996).

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Defensive end Chris Kelsay was added to the Bills' injury list after he didn't practice Thursday due to a sore back. He is expected to start Sunday.

Williams, Whitner (ankle), right tackle Jonathan Scott (ankle), tight end Shawn Nelson (migraine headache) and fullback Corey McIntyre (sprained knee) did not practice for a second straight day.

Quarterback Trent Edwards (concussion) was limited again, but he saw more work than he did Wednesday. Also limited were cornerback Terrence McGee (knee) and safety Bryan Scott (ankle).

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Texans All-Pro wide receiver Andre Johnson (bruised lung) returned to practice on a limited basis Thursday. He and cornerback Dunta Robinson, also limited with an injured hamstring, are expected to play Sunday.

Pro Bowl middle linebacker DeMeco Ryans (groin) and defensive end Mario Williams (shoulder) practiced fully after being limited Wednesday. Rookie linebacker Brian Cushing (foot) and free safety Eugene Wilson (groin) didn't practice again but likely will play.

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