When it comes to their offensive line, the Bills aren't pushing the panic button yet. But they may be limbering up the elbow.

A full two weeks into training camp, the team's projected five starters had yet to work together and it didn't appear they'd be together anytime soon. At the crux of the matter is right tackle Mike Williams, whose third NFL camp is fast becoming a lost summer.

First Williams, the fourth overall pick in the 2002 draft, was demoted for arriving out of shape and behind in the playbook. He then missed two practices, drawing a $5,000 fine for one unexcused absence, to handle a personal issue.

Then, just as it appeared he would work his way back into the starting lineup, he strained his right arch while preparing for practice on a leg-stretching machine. That injury suffered last Tuesday forced Williams to miss five practices and the Bills' preseason opener against Denver.

Coach Mike Mularkey is unable - or willing - to put a timetable on when Williams will return to full strength, but it's clear that he's missing valuable work. At some point, it could become impossible for him to start, meaning the Bills would open the year with a backup costing them $38 million.

But Williams isn't the lone concern up front.

Marcus Price, Williams' replacement, is gutting out practices on a sore knee and free agent RG Chris Villarrial missed several days of work last week to rest a litany of aches and pains. He did return by the end of the week.

"We still have some time," Mularkey said. "We have four (preseason) games still to go. Obviously, the sooner the better for all of us."

The backup situation at tackle is thin: Marques Sullivan, rookie Dylan McFarland, David Porter.

Williams was injured when something "popped" in his foot while being stretched. He wore a protective boot for one day. He has since been working with trainers on the sidelines and riding a stationary bike.

Getting into top shape at this rate seems unlikely; Williams reported to camp weighing close to 400 pounds by some accounts.

"It's a setback but I don't think it's a big one," said Williams, whose attitude seems good. "We just have to continue to work on it, and I'll be back out there. It's causing me some problems right now, but the boot is off. They never expected that to be on for long. I know we're making progress. We're going to be fine."

Will Buffalo's offense be fine with its line in question? Everything the new coaching staff has planned hinges on the front five playing much better than a year ago when quarterback Drew Bledsoe was sacked a league-high 49 times and the offense ranked 30th in points and yards.

"Obviously, it's discouraging for him and us because we're trying to get those guys (on the line) together to make the calls and get a feel for each other," Mularkey said of Williams. "At that position, you really want to know what your buddy's doing as well as yourself. Yes, it is disappointing."

CAMP CALENDAR
St. John Fisher College, Rochester, N.Y. Camp breaks on Aug. 26.

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