Bills injuries: DT Ed Oliver, WR Khalil Shakir, S Taylor Rapp won't play vs. Texans

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — The Bills won't be at full strength for Sunday's game against the Texans. Starting defensive tackle Ed Oliver, safety Taylor Rapp and leading receiver Khalil Shakir have been ruled out for the game in Houston because of injuries, coach Sean McDermott said Friday.

Buffalo's defense could receive a boost from the return of linebacker Terrel Bernard. The defensive captain has been a full participant in practice this week and is listed as questionable after missing the past two games with a pectoral muscle strain. All-Pro defensive back Taron Johnson also is questionable to play for the first time since hurting his forearm in the season opener.

Oliver hurt his hamstring in practice this week, striking another blow to a defense that has been without several key players since preseason. Rapp is still in concussion from a hit to the head he sustained during last week's blowout loss in Baltimore. Pass rusher Von Miller has begun serving a four-game suspension for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy, and linebacker Matt Milano remains on injured reserve with a torn biceps.

Rookie safety Cole Bishop will make his first start in place of Rapp on Sunday. Another rookie DeWayne Carter will likely see increased action on the defensive line, as backup Austin Johnson also has been ruled out with an oblique injury.

On the other side of the ball, Shakir had been Buffalo's most reliable receiver before injuring his ankle against the Ravens. Shakir was able to finish the game but did not practice at all this week.

Starting left tackle Dion Dawkins returned to practice Thursday after an idle day to rest his sore hamstring.

For the Texans, running back Joe Mixon will be out again, as will former Bill Jerry Hughes.