One of the few bright spots on a dismal 2009 Buffalo Bills team, rookie safety Jairus Byrd has been placed on Injured Reserve, reports BuffaloBills.com. His stellar rookie campaign is now at an end. Veteran linebacker and special teams ace Josh Stamer was signed to to fill Byrd's spot on the active roster.
A second-round pick out of Oregon this past April, Byrd made a position switch from corner to safety despite not participating in mini-camps and dealing with a nagging groin injury. To say he exceeded all expectations is an understatement; Byrd hits IR as the NFL's current interceptions leader, with nine on the season.
Byrd had been seeing limited playing time in recent weeks, as the groin injury he suffered prior to training camp never really went away. George Wilson and Donte Whitner will remain Buffalo's starting safeties for the remainder of the season - if they, themselves, can stay healthy, that is.