by By Mark Gaughan - NEWS SPORTS REPORTER , Buffalo News

Jackson said X-rays on the thumb, which is bruised and has a sore tendon, were negative.

"That's always a good thing when the X-rays come back negative. I'm enthusiastic about that. Hopefully I can get back as soon as possible. . . . I'll try to get back as soon as I can because we've still got work to do and I still need to be out there with those guys."

Jackson would not rule himself out for Saturday's game at Pittsburgh. However, expect the Bills to be cautious about putting him into action before the opener.

***

Terrell Owens worked out again on the side for a second day while his teammates practiced Wednesday. The team worked out in the rain on the grass field outside the fieldhouse. Owens ran for about 20 minutes inside the fieldhouse.

Owens looked pretty good running pass routes at -- or close -- to full speed. He worked out under the guidance of Bills trainer Shone Gipson. Owens was not catching passes from a quarterback. Owens will sit out a third straight exhibition game Saturday due to his sprained right toe.

Receiver James Hardy, coming back from knee surgery, also ran pass patterns and some sprints with Owens.

Linebackers Ashlee Palmer (ankle) and Pat Thomas (lower leg) both returned to practice on a limited basis. Thomas was more limited than Palmer. Also sitting out practice were Aaron Schobel, Drayton Florence, Demetrius Bell, Felton Huggins, Lydell Sargeant and Travis McCall.

***

The contract signed by defensive end Aaron Maybin will pay him $14.2 million in guaranteed money, as long as he meets some very minimum "fall-off-the-log" playing time or roster standards. Maybin will count $1.85 million against the salary cap this season. He got a $2 million signing bonus and will receive a $7.1 million option bonus next March.

e-mail: mgaughan@buffnews.com

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