As it turns out, the Buffalo Bills' signing of free agent linebacker Kirk Morrison had everything to do with the health of incumbent veteran Reggie Torbor. On Thursday, Bills head coach Chan Gailey announced that Torbor has been placed on Injured Reserve, ending his 2011 season.
It's a shoulder injury for Torbor - the same injury that landed him on IR during the 2010 season, as well. Torbor signed a two-year deal with the Bills last summer, so it's entirely conceivable that he's played his last down in a Bills uniform.
We discussed this morning how much of an upgrade Morrison is over Torbor, particularly against the run. Torbor's season-ending injury also improves the chances that Andra Davis makes the team, as none of the team's young reserves - Arthur Moats and rookies Kelvin Sheppard and Chris White - appear ready to play.
The Bills still have not yet confirmed the Morrison signing. Via Twitter, we can piece together why: Morrison is still en route to Buffalo, and the Bills don't confirm signings until there's a signature.