AFC Notes: Bills, Colts, Jets, Patriots

Bills

• The Bills officially ruled out CB E.J. Gaines, TE Charles Clay and LB Ramon Humber for Sunday’s game. (Mike Rodak)
• Bills S Jordan Poyer (knee) expects to be a game-time decision for Week 8’s game against the Raiders. (Mike Rodak)

Colts

• The Indianapolis Colts officially ruled out QB Andrew Luck (right shoulder), CB Rashaan Melvin (concussion) and OLB John Simon (stinger) for Week 8’s game against the Bengals.
• Colts HC Chuck Pagano admitted that he doesn’t know if Luck will return to practice next week. (Kevin Bowen)

Jets

• The New York Jets officially ruled out CB Buster Skrine (concussion), RT Brandon Shell (neck) and TE Jordan Leggett (knee) for Week 8’s game.
• Jets DE Muhammad Wilkerson is also listed as questionable for Sunday against the Falcons.

Patriots

• Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald writes that of the Patriots’ 14 unrestricted free agents, backup QB Jimmy Garoppolo is the most obvious candidate for the franchise tag.
• Howe can’t see Garoppolo being willing to sign an extension with the Patriots to return as Brady’s backup, which means it’s possible New England could watch him depart and recoup a 2019 third-round compensatory pick for him.
• However, Howe heard a month ago that CB Malcolm Butler could also be a candidate for the franchise tag.
• According to Howe, there’s mutual interest between Butler and the Patriots, but contract talks won’t pick up until the offseason.
• Howe can see the Patriots and LT Nate Solder working out an extension if he plans on continuing his NFL career.
• Assuming the Patriots want WR Danny Amendola back next year, Howe can’t see him leaving.
• As for a free agent who could depart in free agency, Howe wouldn’t be surprised to see the Patriots allow RB Dion Lewis to walk.