Buffalo Bills quarterback Trent Edwards stayed home again Friday and was ruled out for

Sunday's game at Carolina.

Ryan Fitzpatrick will start at quarterback, and Gibran Hamdan will be the backup.

The Bills reported Edwards has not had any setbacks in trying to recover from a concussion

he suffered in last week's game at East Rutherford, N.J.

Asked how Edwards was doing, Bills coach Dick Jauron said: "As far as I know, and I haven't

seen him but I have finally texted him — they allowed me to text him — he says

he's doing better, and [trainer] Bud [Carpenter] says he's doing better also."

Edwards reported to the Bills' offices on Thursday to meet with the team's medical staff.

Jauron said on Wednesday that under the team's normal protocol for players with concussions,

Edwards had not been making or receiving any phone calls or text messages.

Carpenter was judicious in discussing Edwards' condition.

"He's progressing like you're supposed to progress after what he's had," Carpenter said.

"No setbacks — put it that way."

Edwards suffered a concussion last Oct. 5 at Arizona. The Bills had a bye week after that

game. Edwards returned to practice the following Monday, and said at the time that headaches

he encountered as a result of the blow went away the weekend after the hit.

Edwards played the Bills' next game, against San Diego on Oct. 19.

. . .

Receiver Terrell Owens was held out of practice Friday. He watched from the side. Jauron

said only that: "Terrell was just — it was a non-injury. It was not injury-related."

Defensive tackle Kyle Williams (shoulder) was able to practice on a limited basis for the

first time this week. He's questionable. Safety Donte Whitner (ankle), safety Bryan Scott

(ankle) and tackle Jonathan Scott (ankle) also all are out for the game. Tight end Shawn

Nelson (illness) is doubtful.

Defensive end Chris Kelsay (eye) was limited and is probable. Cornerback Terrance McGee

(knee) practiced fully and is probable.

Panthers starting weak-side linebacker Thomas Davis (hamstring) is questionable.

. . .

Bills veteran linebacker Chris Draft, signed on Oct. 14, was getting practice time with

the starting unit in place of rookie Ashlee Palmer. Draft, an 11-year veteran, could make his

first start for the Bills at Carolina. He started 16 games for the Panthers in 2006 and

started 16 games over the past two years for St. Louis. In his one snap against the Jets,

Draft blitzed and sacked Mark Sanchez for a 16-yard loss.