Two Bills Drive

‘Protect Johnson. It’s the same old story, but here we go again. The guy can play if his line just gives him a chance.’

The Texans will continue occasional tryout sessions until Dec. 27, when they can begin signing players for the team that will begin play next season.

Robert Hicks, who started seven games for the Buffalo Bills last season, is looking for a new start. `It’s a new beginning for me,” Hicks said. “I’m blessed to be able to come down here and show this team what I have. It’s like a rebirth for me.”

‘Both Jerry Ostroski and Jonas Jennings worked with the first team in practice again Friday and are expected to start at the tackle spots.’

‘Miller may be able to do another season after this one. But he would be wise to heed Hull’s pregame words and get out of the booth before more people talk about his decline than talk about his storied career.’

‘Fumbling just about killed Faulk’s Patriots career last season, and coach Bill Belichick had so little confidence in Faulk entering this season that he didn’t put him on the 45-man active roster for the opener in Cincinnati. "We dress the best 45," Belichick said at the time. Faulk hasn’t missed a game since, and his fumbling is in remission: He has fumbled once this season, and recovered it himself.’

‘Defensive end Willie McGinest (leg) and tackle Richard Seymour (hamstring) were upgraded to probable on the injury report yesterday after participating in practice all week. Only starting defensive right end Anthony Pleasant (flu) remains questionable among the regulars on the defensive line. Meanwhile, Matt Light (shoulder) and Greg Robinson-Randall (ankle) remain doubtful, meaning rookie Kenyatta Jones will likely get the start at left tackle and veteran Grant Williams will get the start at right tackle.’

‘Tom Brady was one of the 200 most sought-after players in the 2000 draft, which is a nice way of saying he was chosen 199th overall.’

‘What jumps out to Belichick about the Bills quarterback has been the way he has been hit. If he isn’t sacked, Johnson is hit delivering the ball. It’s far worse than Bledsoe ever experienced. They have an offensive line with three rookie starters.’

‘Adam Vinatieri has been rock solid again this season for the Patriots, while rookie Jake Arians has struggled during his brief tenure with the Bills.’

‘Right now, Vinatieri is fourth in the NFL with 59 points, making 13 of his 14 field goal attempts, including 6 for 7 from 40-49 yards.’

‘There has been speculation that Bledsoe could be ready to play next Sunday night against the Rams at Foxboro Stadium.’

‘That would be the area code for Nashville, Tenn., where Williams spent the past four years as the very successful defensive coordinator of the Tennessee Titans. Williams is discovering what many NFL coaches before him learned, that it’s lonely at the top, especially during his team’s challenging 1-6 start.’

‘Smith said he held "no grudges" mainly because his problems stemmed from his disputes with offensive coordinator Joe Pendry, who no longer works in Buffalo.’

‘"John wants to be back out there, but he’s just struggled as much with fatigue in the leg as anything else," Donahoe said. "We’re trying to give John a little bit of time to see if he can get some strength back and contribute for us this year. … We have not phased him out at all."’

‘Henry could still get suspended by the NFL for violating the league’s personal conduct policy.’