Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

Anyway, what Johnson recently told the Boston Herald will sit pretty well with New England Patriots, because he praised former Bills receiver and teammate Donald Jones. The Patriots are looking to go young at the wide receiver position, and Jones was a surprising addition to the squad at the beginning of the free agent period. Jones is a decent No. 3 or 4 option, but he was not tendered by the Bills since they are looking for true playmakers in the No. 1 receiver mold. The Bills did not view Jones as that type of player (he obviously isn’t), but he’s a solid possession receiver when healthy (he does have an injury history).

Johnson is likely just touting a friend and a teammate, but I find it interesting that he touted Jones as a potential playmaker. He told the Herald,  ”

“There was no issues with him. He came to compete every day whether it was cold, whether it was hot, whatever,” Johnson said. “And he worked his way to get into a starting position, and that says a lot coming from not being drafted, coming from a small school, and getting himself a shot at being a starting receiver. He has all the tools to be a playmaker. It just didn’t happen here. Things didn’t go right. There were opportunities for him to flourish in this offense. It just didn’t work here. But there were plenty of small plays that he made that got things going. And I think with Brady, and the weapons you have in New England, those plays are going to be noticed now.”

What Johnson said is interesting, because he specifically points out the fact that Donald Jones will have significantly greater success with Tom Brady throwing him the rock. It’s not earth-shattering news that Brady makes the receivers around him look better (every elite quarterback does), but it is interesting to hear Johnson say that Jones had chances “to flourish” in Buffalo and has the tools to be a playmaker on the outside. Did Ryan Fitzpatrick‘s struggles hinder him?

If Jones can stay healthy, then he could be an effective replacement for Brandon Lloyd in 2013. I’m glad to hear that Jones has that “hungry” mentality (fellow incoming WR Danny Amendola does too) that will mesh well with Brady, and I think there’s some value to glean from that quote provided by Stevie Johnson.

You can follow Joe Soriano on Twitter @SorianoJoe.

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Williams isn’t the only cornerback on the Bills currently listed questionable, as both nickel corners Justin Rogers and Leodis McKelvin are also questionable. Rogers has been suffering from a foot injury, while a back ailment has been bothering McKelvin.

Both players are expected to play against the St. Louis Rams to try and contain the slot, which will be a difficult task if Danny Amendola plays. Neither nickel corner has shown that they can run with the spot, but Rogers has been more consistent despite McKelvin holding a significant advantage in terms of physical tools. In the end, McKelvin is best suited for a role on the outside (he will play there in place of Williams) and is the better player overall due to his ball skills (not to mention his ability on special teams).

Without Williams, we’ll see if the Rams have some better success throwing it on the Bills. Rookie Stephen Gilmore is another corner who loves to play press coverage, and he has been significantly better than Williams despite having one less year of experience. Williams gets burned far too easily, but he wouldn’t have covered Rams rookie burner Chris Givens anyway.

McKelvin will start on the outside with Williams out, and it’s hard to think that McKelvin will fair out worse than Williams. The usual starter has been quite awful this season and has entrenched himself as one of the worst corners in the league.

Bills star receiver Stevie Johnson is also listed questionable.

You can follow Joe Soriano on Twitter @SorianoJoe.

Brett Davis-US PRESSWIRE

However, the Bills have listed their star wideout as questionable on the official injury report. Contusions and bruises don’t usually cost players games, but they do cut into a player’s production by significantly hindering their ability. Some rest has definitely helped Johnson, but he’s going to be boom-or-bust against the Patriots.

Last week against the Texans, Johnson managed to haul in just three passes and had only two catches the first time Buffalo played New England this season. He’s going to have to earn every yard he can get, but he will certainly get more than his fair share of targets from Ryan Fitzpatrick. The Bills QB loves throwing it to the top red zone target, as he has directed the ball his way 71 times this year.

Be sure to check on Stevie Johnson’s injury status as we head into Sunday’s AFC East battle between these teams, because Johnson is the center of attention in the Bills passing attack. He’s one of the three best players on this team’s offense, even if he isn’t at his best as far as health goes.

You can follow Joe Soriano on Twitter @SorianoJoe.