GEORGETOWN, Ky. - Quarterback Akili Smith says he has fallen behind Jon Kitna and Scott Mitchell in the team's quarterback derby and will make every effort to play Saturday night despite tendinitis in his right shoulder.

        “If it feels OK, I'm going to try to let it rip,” Smith said before Thursday night's practice, which he missed. “I don't have nothing to lose. They're making a decision after this weekend. It's kind of like I'm hexed this year. Who knows? I may be in the game the mid-part of the season, the eighth game, the seventh game. I may play, or I might end up sitting on the bench all year.

        “Any time you sit out two weeks without taking reps, then the staff, the players, the whole organization are watching two other guys duel it out. It definitely is going to set you back.”

        Smith is listed as doubtful for the Bills at Paul Brown Stadium.

        INJURY REPORT: Cornerback Artrell Hawkins will miss the Buffalo game. He has been admitted to Christ Hospital with tonsilitis.

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