Has two-time Pro Bowl defensive end Aaron Schobel lost the will to keep playing?

He told two reporters Wednesday, including The Associated Press, that he's contemplating retirement and would take part of the offseason to make a decision. Schobel is 32 and is wrapping up his ninth NFL season, all with the Bills.

"I don't know my future really, what I'm going to do," Schobel said.

His sullen mood could be Schobel's frustration over yet another season playing for a losing team. A second-round pick in 2001 who ranks second in career sacks with 75, he has never experienced postseason play.

While Schobel may feel like he's slowed down, he has bounced back well from a severe foot injury that sidelined him for 11 games in 2008. He has registered a team-high 7.0 sacks, his most since posting a career-high 14 in 2006.

Schobel, who signed a contract extension in 2007 through the 2013 season, is financially secure. His deal came with $20 million in guaranteed money.

Interim coach Perry Fewell said he hadn't spoken with Schobel about him possibly retiring; Fewell doesn't know his own future. But he quipped: "No, we haven't discussed it and no, he can't."

PLAYER NOTES

--S Jairus Byrd, who leads the NFL with nine interceptions, was placed on injured reserve with his bothersome groin injury. He has been slowed by the injury for weeks and it got to the point where and he and the team felt he could no longer make plays to help the club win. He's on the Pro Bowl ballot but his injury could keep him from playing if elected to the game.

--QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, who suffered an ankle sprain in last Sunday's loss to New England, did not practice but he has not been ruled out of this week's game at Atlanta. Coach Perry Fewell said he would make a game-time decision on his starting quarterback and was hoping that it would be Fitzpatrick, particularly if he can practice by Friday.

--QB Gibran Hamdan was re-signed to give the team at least one healthy backup for this week's game at Atlanta. Ryan Fitzpatrick and Trent Edwards suffered ankle injuries in last Sunday's New England loss. Hamdan backed up Brian Brohm in practice Wednesday and has a firm grasp of the offense after three seasons with the Bills. He was cut on Nov. 19 to make room for Brohm.

--LB Bryan Scott did not practice due to a concussion suffered against the Patriots. He is highly doubtful for Sunday's game at Atlanta.

--CB Terrence McGee was placed on season-ending injured reserve with a torn rotator cuff. He was injured in a collision with New England's Rand Moss last Sunday. McGee missed three games earlier in the year after knee surgery.

--LB Josh Stamer, who played five seasons for the Bills through the 2007 season, was signed as a free agent. Starting OLB Bryan Scott has a concussion and is doubtful for this week's game at Atlanta. Stamer was released by the Cleveland Browns last month.

--LB Ryan Manalac, an undrafted rookie who with the Bills in training camp, was signed to the practice squad.

GAME PLAN
The Bills can expect to get the Falcons' best effort; Atlanta (7-7) can't make the playoffs but is still fighting for a winning record for the second consecutive season, which would be a first for the Falcons. Atlanta nearly beat New Orleans (13-1) twice and is 2-1 against AFC East foes. The Falcons are also 5-2 at home.

Defensively, Buffalo's No. 3-ranked secondary has to find a way to plug big holes left by injuries to Jairus Byrd and Terrence McGee. If the reserves falter, it will be a long day against QB Matt Ryan (17 TDs-12 INTs), WR Roddy White (eight TDs), and RB Michael Turner (871 yards rushing, 10 TDs). SS George Wilson has to have a big game against future Hall of Fame tight end Tony Gonzalez (78 catches, 820 yards, six scores).

Offensively, the Bills may not know their starter until game time. If Ryan Fitzpatrick can go on his bum ankle, Buffalo's full offensive package could do some damage against the Falcons' No. 28 defense. But if it's second-year pro Brian Brohm making his NFL debut, coordinator Alex Van Pelt will be very limited in what he can call. Regardless of who is under center, the Bills need to establish the run on the road and stick with it.

MATCHUPS TO WATCH
Bills pass defense vs. Falcons passing game. Buffalo leads the NFL with 26 interceptions but took a hit with the loss of starting CB Terrence McGee and FS Jairus Byrd this week. The Falcons' 15th-ranked passing offense is led by QB Matt Ryan and TE Tony Gonzalez (78 catches).

Bills No. 32 run defense vs. Falcons RB Michael Turner, who has 871 yards rushing and 10 TDs.

Bills RBs Fred Jackson and Marshawn Lynch vs. Falcons LBs Curtis Lofton (128 tackles) and Mike Peterson (100).

Bills offensive line vs. Falcons pass rush. Buffalo's patchwork offensive line features newcomer Richie Incognito. Atlanta is led by defensive linemen Kroy Biermann, Jonathan Babineau and John Abraham who have combined for 14.5 sacks.

INJURY IMPACT
Ankle injuries to Ryan Fitzpatrick and Trent Edwards forced the team to re-sign former No. 3 man Gibran Hamdan. Counting Brian Brohm, whom the team signed off Green Bay's practice squad, the developments left the team loaded down with four quarterbacks. It's possible Edwards, who suffered what's believed to be a high-ankle sprain, will go on injured reserve later in the week to free up a roster spot for another position of bigger need.

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