The Bills began training camp the same way last season ended -- with a number of key players on the shelf.

That began to change on Monday when several players returned from injuries to practice. Top performers RB Fred Jackson (foot) and WR Stevie Johnson (groin) returned and participated fully at Buffalo’s afternoon session. DE Chris Kelsay (groin), WR David Nelson (knee), DT Torell Troup (back) and Bryan Scott (thigh) also returned, though Nelson and Troup were both limited.

“It was nice to get all those guys out,” coach Chan Gailey said. “I thought they pushed through well. The only one we really didn’t get for any prolonged time, I think, was David Nelson. Most everybody else had come out and stayed maybe longer than we thought they would.”

The Bills also received some good news regarding right tackle Erik Pears. Pears has missed most of training camp with a groin/hernia issue, but it doesn’t look like he’ll be out much longer.

“It looks good, to be honest with you,” Gailey said. “He saw the specialist and he gave him some things to work with and it looks like it’s going to pay dividends ... it looks a lot better than it did three days ago, that’s for sure.”

Along with Pears, CB Justin Rogers (hamstring) and TE Mike Caussin (knee) did not participate Monday. LB Nick Barnett only participated in individual work after receiving a large cut on his arm on Saturday.

For more updates on the Bills follow correspondent Mark Ludwiczak on Twitter @CBSSportsNFLBUF and @MarkLud12.