In speaking with reporters following practice on Friday, Buffalo Bills head coach Chan Gailey confirmed to reporters that the team is on the verge of placing backup guard Chad Rinehart on season-ending Injured Reserve and promoting rookie cornerback Ron Brooks to the active roster from IR/Designated for Return.

Rinehart, a fifth-year pro in his third season with the Bills, entered the season as the team's top interior line reserve. He made two starts in Weeks 6 and 7 - fighting through a calf injury to do so - but an ankle injury suffered in a loss to Tennessee has cut his season short. Rinehart is a free agent next off-season, so that may end up being all she wrote for Rinehart's career in Buffalo - though his value as a reserve certainly merits the team looking into bringing him back.

The vacant roster space Rinehart leaves behind will quickly be given to Brooks, a fourth-round pick in April that landed on IR during the pre-season with a foot injury. As Buffalo's lone player designated for return this season, he was eligible to be added back to the active roster on October 31. Given the fact that veteran cornerback Terrence McGee is listed as doubtful for Sunday's matchup with the Houston Texans, there's a great chance that Brooks will make his NFL debut this week - though how involved he is defensively remains to be seen.