ORCHARD PARK — Think back to the 2003 season opener for the Buffalo Bills. Under sunny skies and in front of a sold-out crowd, the Bills rocked the New England Patriots, 31-0, at Ralph Wilson Stadium.

Fast forward five years and nine games and that contest remains the last time the Bills have beaten the Patriots. Buffalo is also 0 for its last 7 in Foxboro.

“You have to use it as fuel to the fire. We’re definitely going to use it for motivation and we’re going to keep that in the back of our minds each and everyday we’re here practicing, when we’re flying up there and obviously Sunday when we take the field,” Bills defensive end Chris Kelsay said.

Kelsay is one of the few members of the Bills who were actually around for that 2003 win. Since that time, the Patriots’ domination of the AFC East has been well-documented, especially against Buffalo. Last season, New England blew out the Bills, 56-10, on national television.

“The fact is that they have dominated the division and certainly beaten us handily a number of times,” Bills coach Dick Jauron said. “We’re trying to gain ground on them.”

Wide receiver Lee Evans concurred.

“It’s one of those things where that is where you have to get to,” he said. “That is what you strive for and if you think you are going to win this division or go to the playoffs that is the team you have to beat.”

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The injury news didn’t get any better — and may have gotten worse — for the Bills on Wednesday. Safety Donte Whitner (shoulder), wide receiver Josh Reed (ankle) and defensive end Aaron Schobel (foot) — all key starters — weren’t at practice and won’t play Sunday.

Additionally, starting linebacker Kawika Mitchell missed the workout with a sprained ankle. Offensive linemen Brad Butler (knee) and Jason Whittle (back) and cornerback Ashton Youboty (foot) were limited in practice, meaning they’ll likely be questionable for the game.

“Everybody in the league goes through it. Everybody’s got injuries,” Jauron said.

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As could be expected, turnovers were a hot topic Wednesday. In the past two games, both losses, Buffalo has turned the ball over seven times.

“We have to quit turning the ball over. That is it,” Bills offensive coordinator Turk Schonert said. “Seven in two games, you are not going to win against good teams especially in your division. We have to stop there first.”

Contact reporter Jay Skurski at 693-1000, ext. 117.