THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

PITTSFORD, N.Y. -- Terrell Owens will miss the Buffalo Bills' pre-season game against Chicago this weekend because of a sprained toe that has prevented him from practising all week.

Coach Dick Jauron ruled Owens out of Saturday's game after practice Thursday night, saying the toe is healing but the team doesn't want to take any chances with the receiver aggravating the injury.

Though Jauron didn't have a timetable for when Owens could resume practising, Owens tweeted earlier in the day that he expects to return to the field as soon as Monday. He added that fans don't need to worry about his injury.

Owens has missed three days of practice and not made himself available to reporters. While the team's been practising, Owens has been getting treatment in the Bills training facility.

He's been out since jamming his toe in a 21-18 loss to Tennessee in the Hall of Fame game on Sunday. He had two catches for 27 yards in his Bills debut since signing a one-year US$6.5-million deal with the team in March, shortly after being released by Dallas.

Reserve safety Ko Simpson's status to play Saturday is uncertain after he was held out of practice because of an ankle injury.