The Buffalo Bills have announced that they have placed starting defensive end Dwan Edwards on Injured Reserve, ending his first season with the team after 11 games.
Edwards severely injured his hamstring early in Buffalo's Week 12 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, and was not going to recover in time to play much for the rest of the season. He ends the season with 57 tackles - currently second in the league among defensive linemen, behind only teammate Kyle Williams - as well as a sack, an interception and a forced fumble.
Spencer Johnson will replace Edwards in Buffalo's starting lineup; Johnson, himself, is only just recovered from his own hamstring injury. Rookie third-round pick Alex Carrington, who picked up his first career sack playing for Edwards a week ago, will also see a significant role increase with Edwards on the shelf.
Back in March, Bills GM Buddy Nix signed three key veteran free agents that were locks to open the 2010 season as starters - and all three did. Edwards, Andra Davis and Cornell Green all ended the season on IR, and Green was released from IR last week.
Rookie tight end Mike Caussin will replace Edwards on Buffalo's active roster. He was signed from Jacksonville's practice squad.