Buffalo’s Spikes aiming for opener

Linebacker Takeo Spikes took his place behind the defensive line waiting for the snap of the ball, when suddenly there was the sound of a distinct “Pop!”

It wasn’t the right Achilles’ tendon that the Buffalo Bills star tore in September, an injury that forced him to miss most of last season. It was the burst of a big pink balloon of bubble gum that Spikes blew.

This was only a walkthrough for the defense during the final session of a voluntary minicamp Sunday in Orchard Park, N.Y., and Spikes – no helmet, no pads, wearing only his shorts, practice jersey and sneakers – was taking it easy for now.

But make no mistake, the Bills defense’s inspirational leader and the team’s most intense player promised he’ll be ready to play.

How soon?

“When it means something, and that means September,” Spikes said, referring to the Bills’ regular season-opener at New England on Sept. 10. “Oh, yeah, to me, that’s a given.”

The plan is for Spikes to be ready for practice when training camp opens in late July and then ease him into full-contact drills.

Smith heads to Texans

The Houston Texans agreed to terms with running back Antowain Smith, giving the team a backup for starter Domanick Davis.

Last season with the New Orleans Saints, Smith filled in for Deuce McAllister after he suffered a season-ending knee injury and ran for 659 yards and three touchdowns.