THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- After missing three weeks nursing a sprained toe, Terrell Owens returned to practice Monday, raising hopes his presence might spark a lifeless offence.

Though the start of practice was closed to the media, the Bills announced Owens was back on the field and would address reporters afterward. The receiver has been out since jamming his toe in the Hall of Fame game Aug. 9, and returns as Buffalo prepares to close the preseason hosting Detroit on Thursday.

The Bills offence has struggled without Owens, and is coming off its worst preseason outing in a 17-0 loss at Pittsburgh last weekend. Quarterback Trent Edwards and the starters have scored three points in 15 series this preseason.