Bills RB Fred Jackson (from Coe) ready to take over for Lynch

JOHN WAWROW

AP Sports Writer

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) - Dismissing the pain in his sore left wrist, Fred Jackson is eager to show the Buffalo Bills their running attack will be in good hands to start the regular season.

"I don't want to let this deter me from doing anything," Jackson said. "I tell myself that the stage is set. I have to go out and take advantage of it."

With starter Marshawn Lynch set to begin serving his NFL-imposed three-game suspension this weekend, Jackson will get one final dress rehearsal to prove he's ready to take over the running back job in the interim as Buffalo (1-3) prepares to close the preseason hosting Detroit (2-1) on Thursday.

It'll be Jackson's first outing since missing a 17-0 loss at Pittsburgh on Saturday after he aggravated an injury to his wrist and thumb in practice last week.

"It's still going to be a little sore and probably be sore for a good while now," Jackson said. "It's just something I'm going to have to get accustomed to."

Jackson's injury isn't the only concern for a Bills offense whose starters have failed to score a touchdown in 15 series over four games this preseason. And it won't help that Buffalo will be without Terrell Owens, who is expected to be held out to allow his sprained toe an extra week to heal.

"Do we feel like we're good and confident in moving forward? I think we feel like that," receiver Lee Evans said. "We're working on things. But it's just a salty feeling in your mouth when that happens and you look bad."

The Lions (2-1) have questions of their own to address, especially on an offense that's suddenly dealing with injuries to quarterbacks Daunte Culpepper and third-stringer Drew Stanton. Culpepper's status is questionable after he cut his foot last weekend, while Stanton's out indefinitely after having knee surgery Wednesday.

The Lions scrambled to sign Brooks Bollinger and acquired former Patriots backup quarterback Kevin O'Connell off waivers over the past two days.

That means rookie No. 1 draft pick Matthew Stafford will make his second start in what's been an inconsistent preseason for him.

Stafford has gone 25 of 46 for 308 yards and a touchdown with three interception in three games, but is coming off his best outing. He went 13 of 19 for 160 yards and an interception in four series during an 18-17 win against Indianapolis last weekend.

Coach Jim Schwartz said Stafford will be in for about 25 snaps and will be replaced by either Culpepper, if he's able to play, or Bollinger.

The Bills are taking few chances with their starters, who are set to play no more than two series in their final tuneup before opening the regular season at New England on Sept. 14.

That's a date Jackson has had circled ever since Lynch was suspended in early April for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy.

"My team is going to need me to make plays when I'm called upon, so I'm excited about that and looking forward to the opportunity," Jackson said.

He's entering his third season with Buffalo after spending 2006 on the team's practice squad. Jackson has overcome tough odds to get to the NFL after completing his college career in 2002 at Division III Coe College. Before getting his shot with Buffalo, he spent time playing in the U.S. Indoor Football League while also working as a youth counselor.

Jackson showed promise as a rookie in 2007 and had a solid year last year in providing the Bills running attack a boost behind Lynch. Jackson finished with 571 yards rushing and three touchdowns, and added 317 yards receiving in 16 games, including two starts.

Veteran Dominic Rhodes, signed in free agency this spring, will serve as Jackson's backup.

"I'm sad for Marshawn because he doesn't get to play. But I'm excited about my chance and my opportunity," Rhodes said.

Lynch is expected to get limited action against Detroit, the last time he'll work with his teammates before starting his suspension. He said he'll spend the three weeks continuing to train on his own in Buffalo.

"I've just got to stay mentally strong," Lynch said. "I felt I was built for hard times. Hard times don't last, but tough people do."

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press.