Bills GM Nix backs Gailey; QB a question mark

Fitzpatrick said he had not heard what Nix had said on the broadcast, before adding: “I can’t worry about any of that.”

It was only a year ago this week, when Fitzpatrick’s role as the Bills long-term starter appeared secure. Coming out of the Bills bye week at the end of last October, Fitzpatrick signed a six-year, $59 million contract extension following the team’s better-than-expected 4-2 start.

Fitzpatrick has struggled ever since, and his inconsistencies have carried over into this year.

He’s 4-12 in his past 16 starts, a stretch in which he’s thrown 25 touchdowns and 25 interceptions.

In defending Fitzpatrick, Nix pinned the blame of the Bills troubles on the team’s under-performing defense.

“Listen, you score 34 points, you’re supposed to win the damn game,” Nix said, referring to a 35-34 loss to Tennessee two weeks ago. “I mean, how many do we have to score?”

As for his own future, Nix said he has no intention of leaving Buffalo until the team’s a winner or owner Ralph Wilson fires him.

“I came here to make sure this thing was turned around and on solid ground,” said Nix, who’s in his third year as GM. “And I’m not going anywhere until it is, or unless the owner says I am. And he and I are the only two that can. How about that?”

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NOTES: As expected, the Bills activated rookie CB Ron Brooks of the IR/Designated to Return list and placed OG Chad Rinehart (left ankle) on season-ending injured reserve. … RT Erik Pears (hip/groin) is doubtful. He visited a specialist Thursday and had treatment on his injury, but there remains a possibility he may require surgery for the second time this year, Gailey said. … Veteran CB Terrence McGee (left knee) is also doubtful.

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