Derek Fine had thumb surgery on Tuesday, which means the injury was quite severe.

From BB.com

Fine’s surgery required a hand specialist to perform the operation.

“It’s going to be a significant amount of time that he’s going to miss,” said Jauron. “But as you know he hasn’t been put down in any way shape or form. So we’re counting on him to come back.”

A thumb injury might not seem like much, but for a tight end that has to block and catch the opposable digit is essential.

Hand specialist?  Jauron calling it significant?  This could prompt a move to IR for him.

“Derek Schouman’s is coming along very well,” said Jauron. “We’re optimistic that it’s within a three week range and (head athletic trainer) Bud (Carpenter) doesn’t really know how to make it any more precise than that. Derek has been happy with the progress and we’ll just have to wait and see, but hopefully it comes back fast.”

With Fine and Schouman out indefinitely it leaves Buffalo with just Robert Royal, Courtney Anderson and Tim Massaquoi as the only healthy tight ends left on the roster.

Schouman is a virtual lock to make the final roster. Fine was also considered a likely member of the squad as well after a solid training camp and preseason. However, the injuries have dramatically changed what Buffalo’s coaching staff probably had mapped out in terms of who was making their 53-man roster.

“Yeah it does,” said Jauron. “I guess what we’ve all learned is all the things you start deciding in your mind, today, whether it’s three days in front of the decision making time or a game in front, they usually change by the time you get there. We certainly look at it and write it down and we debate it, but it could all easily change by the time we get to making those final decisions.”

Finally, some timetable on Schouman.  Right now, I'd have to put Fine on IR.  That thumb injury sounds like it'll be at least 2 months for healing and recovery.  Don't forget the amount of time he'll need to get strength in his arm back.  We really can't afford for him to be sitting around on the active roster for 2 months taking up a spot. 

I'm not sure if the FO is confident enough that Schouman will be back by say, week 3, so keeping just Royal and Anderson, along with him, may be the plan at this point (with Fine to the IR).  If they feel the need to have 3 TE's available each week, Massaquoi will certainly make it, at least for 3 weeks or so.