clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Bills add LB Joe, Place CB Webster on IR

By Brian Galliford
LB Joe a much-needed addition (Courtesy: View Images)

Roster moves continue to pour in from One Bills Drive this Thursday, as another defensive back has bitten the dust. Already this week the Bills have been forced to add TE Kevin Everett and S Ko Simpson to the Injured Reserve list. CB Jason Webster, brought in to start in place of the departed Nate Clements and who suffered a broken forearm in Week One, now joins Kevin and Ko on Injured Reserve, cutting short his first season as a Bill. Webster will likely be replaced in the starting lineup by second-year cornerback Ashton Youboty, although the youngster could split time on the outside with veteran Kiwaukee Thomas until Youboty is ready to play full-time.

Filling Webster's vacated roster spot is former Bears linebacker Leon Joe, a former fourth-round draft pick of the Bears (2004) that spent a year on the same defensive staff as Bills defensive coordinator Perry Fewell. Joe's 6'1", 235-pound frame makes him one of the stockiest linebackers on the roster, giving him the ability to play either inside or on the strong side.

Joe's best chance to make an impact is on special teams, however, where his size and speed make him a great addition, specifically on coverage units. Joe was a valuable special teamer in his time with Chicago and should only further improve what is already arguably the best special teams unit in the league in Buffalo.

After adding DE Copeland Bryan yesterday, Thursday marks the second straight day the Bills have brought in an ex-Bear for defensive depth. Luckily, SB Nation has a Bears blogger that is not only the author of an incredibly popular site, but he knows his former players well too. WCG from Windy City Gridiron was kind enough to lend us a little insight about Joe:

This is a quality pick up. Joe has game experience doing some spot fill ins for injuries. The only reason he was cast down to the practice squad is because of the (Lance) Briggs situation. When there was a chance he might be leaving, (Bears GM Jerry) Angelo used a first day draft pick on Michael Okwo. When Briggs came back, we just couldn't carry that many linebackers. He is fast and strong, but not consistent. He tends to get lost in the game and doesn't always stick to what he should be doing.

...He definitely can fill in and he can be an asset on special teams. In 2006 he was our 2nd leading tackler on ST.

Very interesting indeed; thanks again to WCG for stopping by to give us a jump-start on our knowledge of these players. If you've got comments to make about the loss of Webster or the addition of Joe, let's hear them in the comments section.

More From Buffalo Rumblings