Terrell Owens' rehabilitation from his sprained toe injury took a small step forward Thursday.

The Buffalo Bills' receiver participated in part of practice, catching passes during

individual drills during the team's workout in Ralph Wilson Stadium. The previous two days,

Owens had worked out on the side, running routes under the supervision of team trainers.

Owens has been ruled out of Saturday's game at Pittsburgh, the third straight preseason

game he will miss.

Owens appeared to run at full speed and without any hindrance during the roughly 20-minute

session in which he caught passes from quarterback Trent Edwards.

"Watching him, he looked like he moved well," said coach Dick Jauron. "It was a good sign. Now

we'll just see how he feels."

Jauron thought Owens was planting hard on the injured foot.

"That's what he was doing. So we'll see where it goes. He looked good. It was just good to see

him out there."

Jauron would not commit to suggesting Owens may practice fully next week, in advance of the

preseason finale. Given the Bills' need for Owens in the lineup, it would be no surprise if he

was held out of the next game.

"He's got to see how he feels. Our medical staff has to see how he feels and examine it. We'll

see," Jauron said.

. . .

Tight end Derek Fine missed practice with a sore hamstring.

"That was disappointing and I don't know where that's going right now," Jauron said.

"Initially [trainer] Bud [Carpenter] thought it was minor, but even a minor one I don't feel

real good about for this week."

Jauron said second-string tackle Demetrius Bell, who has been out this week with a sore back,

was improving but will miss Saturday's game.

Running back Fred Jackson also will sit out Saturday due to his sore thumb.

Also sitting out of practice were Aaron Schobel, James Hardy, Travis McCall and Lydell

Sargeant.

. . .

The Bills and Labatt Blue are running a promotion in which specially marked 12-packs of the

beer will include 50 golden cans to celebrate the team's 50th season. Customers who purchase a

case that includes a golden can will win a package of prizes, including tickets, jerseys,

autographed footballs, meetings with all-time team players and team tours. ... Adam's Mark

Hotel was signed as the official hotel of the Bills' 50th season.