Published: September 24, 2008 10:27 pm            

BILLS: Parrish is out next 4-6 weeks

O — Receiver Roscoe Parrish will miss four to six weeks after having surgery to repair ligament damage in his right thumb, leaving the Buffalo Bills without their fastest and one of their most elusive threats.

Coach Dick Jauron made the surprise announcement Wednesday, a day after Parrish had what was described as a brief but intricate operation. Jauron said Parrish told him he was hurt early in the fourth quarter of a 24-23 win over Oakland last weekend.

Parrish continued playing despite the injury and scored on a 14-yard catch, which cut the Raiders’ lead to 23-21 with 4 minutes left. He finished the game with three catches for 42 yards, all coming in the fourth quarter when Buffalo rallied to score 17 points in the final 8 minutes.

Jauron didn’t know the exact nature of the injury, but said Parrish had no ligament support in his thumb if it moved a certain way. The decision to have surgery was made when team doctors raised the possibility of Parrish missing the rest of the season if he re-injured the thumb, Jauron said.

The AFC East-leading Bills, off to a 3-0 start for the first time since 1992, play at winless St. Louis on Sunday. Parrish could potentially miss only three games, because Buffalo has a bye week after playing at Arizona on Oct. 5.

Fullback Darian Barnes missed practice Wednesday after hurting his right foot against the Raiders. Barnes showed no signs of a limp while running on the sideline. Barnes said medical tests were negative and added that he anticipates playing this weekend.

With Barnes as their only fullback, the Bills had reserve offensive lineman Jason Whittle practice at the position.

In Parrish, the Bills lose their No. 3 receiver and one of the league’s top punt-return threats.

        

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