The bet is the current 16-game NFL schedule will be expanded to 18 and the Buffalo Bills players seem to be divided on the issue.

   League Commissioner Roger Goodell says owners see two more regular-season games -- and two fewer preseason games -- as the most logical way to enhance the sport's revenues through difficult economic times.

     One player said an expanded schedule would take a huge toll on the body even though it could mean expanding the roster as well. Another likes the four-game preseason because that's when reserves receive the most playing time, while another added that taking away two preseason games gives players and coaches less time to prepare for the season.

   "Obviously, 18 would be even more, I could go either way on the whole deal," defensive tackle Kyle Williams said. "Ask me after Game 17 if I feel the same way, but we're all professionals. If we have to play 18 games we'll play 18 games. Both sides would have to come to some concessions on that."

   But an expanded schedule would create more jobs in the NFL.

   "You have so many injuries in 16 games, you'd have to expand the roster to get some more bodies so we can take some of the toll off our people," Williams said.

   Wide receiver Lee Evans doesn't like the idea of shortening the preseason.

   "You still need that time to get yourself together, especially when you have a new coaching staff," he said. "The longer preseason actually helps you out because it gives you more time. It has its pros and its cons."

     Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, a reserve for most of his career, views the preseason as a chance to prepare for an opportunity to play.

     "As a guy that's never truly gone into the season as a starter, it's kind of where you get a lot of your playing time, reps, getting up to speed and getting ready," he said.

     "Obviously if you ask the guys that are playing every Sunday you really want to shorten the preseason down, maybe not at the expense of putting more games in there but for me, I enjoy the preseason just in the sense that you get a lot of work."

    Head coach Chan Gailey said taking away two preseason games would make it difficult to evaluate young players.

     "There will be a challenge in our thought process, as time goes on, if that comes about," he said.

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   Gailey said on Thursday that tackle Demetrius Bell and guard Eric Wood will play Saturday against Cincinnati but their playing time will be limited.

   "Eric can probably go a little bit longer," Gailey said. "Demetrius, we're going to try to be very, very smart with him as we continue to develop him and get him ready for the season."

   Both Bell and Wood played in the Bills' preseason win over Indianapolis.

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   Following the team's practice, Edwards worked for about 20 minutes on some passing drills with receivers Naaman Roosevelt, James Hardy and David Nelson. Rookie Marcus Easley, on injured reserve, watched from the sideline.

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    Running backs Fred Jackson (hand) and Marshawn Lynch (ankle) did not participate in practice along with safety Jairus Byrd (groin) and tight end Derek Schouman (knee). Linebacker Reggie Torbor also missed practice with an undisclosed injury suffered last week against Indianapolis and Gailey said he hopes to have him back by the season opener at home against Miami. Rookie receiver Donald Jones was excused for a third consecutive day for personal reasons but Gailey said he should play this weekend against the Bengals. Linebacker Keith Ellison, who was held out of practice Wednesday for what Gailey called "little flare-ups," returned for Thursday's workout.

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     Gailey on Ralph Wilson Stadium: "When this place is rocking, there's no [harder place to play] in America. So, I'm looking forward to it. Hopefully we can get back to that."

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    The Bills' game against the Bengals on Saturday at Ralph Wilson Stadium will be blacked out on local television, the team announced in a news release.

     The annual Kids Day preseason did not sell out so it will be shown locally only on tape delay. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Channel 7 will air the game Sunday night at 8.

     The game features $15 tickets for kids 14 and under. Tickets are available at buffalobills.com, Western New York Ticketmaster outlets or the Ralph Wilson Stadium ticket office, or by calling (877) 228-4257.

rmckissic@buffnews.comnull