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Buffalo’s defense will again be shorthanded when they host Houston this weekend. Starting safety Donte Whitner and starting defensive tackle Kyle Williams have both been ruled out for Sunday’s game.

Whitner and Williams are just two of six players that will not play. Joining them are Trent Edwards, who was ruled out early in the week due to his concussion, fullback Corey McIntyre (knee) tight end Shawn Nelson (migraines) and starting right tackle Jonathan Scott (ankle).

For Whitner it will be the fourth game he’s missed this season. The safety missed games in Week 4 and Week 5 after undergoing thumb surgery, and when he returned in Week 6 against the Jets he suffered the bone bruise on his ankle that kept him out of last week’s game against Carolina.

The Bills are expected to have George Wilson and Jairus Byrd start at strong and free safety respectively again this week. That’s because starting strong safety Bryan Scott is listed as doubtful after only being able to practice on a limited basis throughout the week. If Scott does not dress it will be the fifth straight game the Bills will be without his services.

Kyle Williams however, will be missing the first start of his NFL career. Though he suffered a knee injury early in last week’s game, and entered the game with a shoulder injury, the Week 7 game at Carolina was his 50th straight start. That consecutive start streak will come to an end Sunday with Spencer Johnson starting in his place.

With rookie tight end Shawn Nelson out, Buffalo will enter Sunday’s game with just two healthy tight ends for the second straight week. Offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt will be further restricted formationally in the run game with fullback Corey McIntyre also out.

Starting right tackle Jonathan Scott will miss a third straight start with a high ankle sprain and will be replaced by rookie Jamon Meredith.

Probable for Sunday are cornerback Terrence McGee and defensive end Chris Kelsay.