Buffalo Bills safety Aaron Williams misses practice Thursday

Oct 20, 2013; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Brian Hartline (82) can

The Buffalo Bills’ starting strong safety Aaron Williams missed Thursday’s practice with a rib injury suffered in last week’s game. He is currently labeled as 50/50 for Sunday’s game against the Miami Dolphins.

Williams, a third year pro out of Texas, has started all 14 games at strong safety for the Bills this season. He’s been one of the most consistent members of a defense that ranks sixth against the pass this year.

Williams is just one of several corners and safeties in the NFL to come from Texas, giving the school the nickname of DB U. Seahawks safety Earl Thomas, Broncos corner Quentin Jammer, and Saints rookie safety Kenny Vaccaro are all former Longhorns that currently star in secondaries around the NFL.

According to Joe Buscaglia of WGR 550 Sports Radio, Williams, one of the most improved members of Buffalo’s defensive unit, is just one of several Bills on this week’s injury report.

Quarterback E.J. Manuel has already been ruled out with a sprained knee, which further adds to his injury-riddled rookie campaign. Thad Lewis will get the start at QB for the Bills. Wideout Stevie Johnson will also miss Sunday’s home game versus the Dolphins due to a death in the family.