Bills vs. Redskins: Andy Levitre Could Start At LT

by Brian Galliford on Oct 24, 2011 2:45 PM EDT in Buffalo Bills News

The Buffalo Bills have returned to the practice field this afternoon coming off of yesterday's bye, and the news still isn't good on the injury front. With left tackles Demetrius Bell (shoulder) and Chris Hairston (ankle) sitting out of practice, starting left guard Andy Levitre is taking first-team reps at left tackle. Chad Rinehart is filling in Levitre's spot at guard.

Levitre finished the Bills' Week 6 loss to the New York Giants at tackle when Hairston, already filling in for Bell (injured in Week 4), went down with a high ankle sprain. He also saw some spot duty there as a rookie in 2009, and played the position in college at Oregon State.

Still, this is obviously not an ideal situation for the Bills. Levitre is a good player, but he lacks the prototypical length required to help protect the edge against speed rushers, and has struggled with power rushers in the past. This week's opponent, the Washington Redskins, feature two strong pass rushers in outside linebackers Brian Orakpo and rookie Ryan Kerrigan.

We'll have a much more concrete idea on Wednesday - and then progressing through Friday - on whether Levitre will be forced to kick out to tackle. If he does, his matchup against the two Washington rushers will be a huge factor in determining Sunday's winner.

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Not good.

He can hold his own for awhile, but certainly didn’t look fantastic after Hariston went down @NY.

Instead of Fitz pumping the ball out in 1.5 seconds, it’ll have to be more like 0.8

"WE PROTECT AND LIVE FOR THE HONOR OF RIDING IN THE WAGON BLASTER" -abayarde

by BuffaloBlueBlood on Oct 24, 2011 2:48 PM EDT via mobile reply actions

Looks like scott will be on left side for a bit..on sunday.

"This is a chance to shine some light on the city, They say it’s too cold. I’m going to bring some warmth to it." Marcell Dareus

by matthew62 on Oct 24, 2011 3:13 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

I think Bell will be back

I have a feeling that Bell will make it back by Sunday. Just another rest day today.

by BillyT92679 on Oct 24, 2011 2:51 PM EDT reply actions

ut oh

"Go check on the ribs!"

by TheAfghanTwilight on Oct 24, 2011 3:02 PM EDT reply actions

Andy’s a gamer, no worries.

by PineWoodsBillsFan on Oct 24, 2011 3:06 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs

No way we should lose this game

Coming off a bye and the redskins suck they looked horrible on Sunday.
They are down Hightower and Sanata Moss
If we lose on Sunday I will be very disappointed…

by the buffahoe on Oct 24, 2011 3:26 PM EDT reply actions

this type of thinking

is not good to have. this has “trap game” written all over it. let’s not forget we’re not in good shape either. our defense is so horrible don’t be surprised if john beck throws for 300. if levitre has to start at tackle fitz could see the rogers centre from a different vantage point with orakpo (our should-be OLB ugghh!!) and kerrigan. you do know that levitre has NEVER been good against pass pro? especially against the bull rush. we could easily see fitz turn into cpt checkdown sun. we better pray HARD!

by youngchamp on Oct 25, 2011 8:37 PM EDT up reply actions

Hopefully this is the last year we play in Toronto after the bye week…

Don’t like coming off a tough loss, then the bye week, then a non-home home game.

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by CircleTheWagonsTees on Oct 24, 2011 3:30 PM EDT reply actions

It’s not ideal, but the problems with William’s foot & Troupe’s back are more concerning.

At least we know that Bell/Hairston will be back pretty soon.

by zipper on Oct 24, 2011 3:52 PM EDT reply actions

I think this will be a good time to use a screen heavy look. With Ryan Kerrigan and Orakpo seeing our starting LG playing LT, maybe we can take advantage of this.

They might be overly aggressive seeing our O-line makeup.

by NordicBillsfan on Oct 24, 2011 5:11 PM EDT reply actions