ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- The Buffalo Bills' retooled offensive line will go through another shuffle now that starting right tackle Brad Butler will miss the rest of the season because of a right knee injury.
Without revealing the nature of the injury, coach Dick Jauron announced Monday that Butler is out after it was determined he'll require surgery a day after getting hurt in a 33-20 win over Tampa Bay.
Jauron said it's likely the team will attempt to sign another offensive lineman to bolster its depth this week as Buffalo (1-1) prepares to host New Orleans (2-0). The Bills worked out several lineman this past month, including veteran tackle Jon Runyan, who remains a free agent after he wasn't re-signed by Philadelphia after having microfracture surgery on his right knee.
Butler was hurt late in the first half when Buccaneers defensive lineman Stylez White rolled into the back of Butler's legs while attempting to strip the ball from quarterback Trent Edwards. Butler was unable to put much weight on his right leg as he was helped off the field by trainers, before being carted from the sideline.
Jonathan Scott, a third-year player, filled in for Butler to finish the game. Veteran reserve Kirk Chambers can also play tackle.
This will be the latest switch to an offensive line that's been in flux this entire offseason, and already features two rookie guards, Eric Wood and Andy Levitre, plus second-year left tackle Demetrius Bell, who made his NFL debut two weeks ago.
Butler, who started the previous two seasons at right guard, had only taken over at tackle a week before the Bills opened the season against New England after Buffalo released left tackle Langston Walker and replaced him with Bell.
Jauron provided no significant updates on the status of cornerback Leodis McKelvin (ankle) and tight ends Derek Schouman (right knee) and Shawn Nelson (strained shoulder), all of whom were also hurt Sunday. The Bills are off on Tuesday before returning to practice Wednesday.
Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press
