ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- Buffalo Bills tight end Lee Smith has been placed on injured reserve after the rookie free agent hurt his left ankle last weekend.
With Smith going on the season-ending list Tuesday, the Bills now have 16 players -- including nine regulars -- on IR. The rash of injuries has contributed to a seven-game skid that's dropped Buffalo (5-9) out of playoff contention for a 12th consecutive season.
Used mostly as a blocker, Smith has four catches for 11 yards in 10 games, including three starts this season. He was hurt in the third quarter of a 30-23 loss to Miami on Sunday.
Smith was drafted in the fifth round by New England in April.
Tight end Kevin Brock was promoted from Buffalo's practice squad to replace Smith.
The Bills close their home schedule against Denver (8-6) on Saturday.
Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press
