Buffalo Bills Place Fred Jackson On Injured Reserve

The Buffalo Bills have placed Fred Jackson on Injured Reserve, bringing an end to a disappointing 2012 campaign for the veteran running back. To fill his spot on the active roster, defensive tackle Jay Ross was promoted from the practice squad, and undrafted rookie running back Zach Brown took Ross' place on the active roster.

Jackson, who will turn 32 this coming February, struggled with injury throughout the season after signing a three-year, $8.7 million contract extension in May. Appearing in 10 games, Jackson finished with a career-low 3.8 yards per carry average, and his 437 rushing yards were his lowest total since his first season in the NFL back in 2007. A sprained MCL ended Jackson's season, but he also suffered a concussion and a sprained LCL a year after landing on IR with a fractured fibula.

With Jackson out of the lineup, C.J. Spiller becomes the team's feature tailback once again, with Tashard Choice a likely candidate for short-yardage work and pass protection situations.

Ross appeared in the team's Week 6 win over Arizona when several Bills defensive linemen were injured, but has been on the practice squad every other week this season. He joins a crowded defensive tackle rotation that features two starters that see heavy doses of playing time, as well as a potential late-season breakout candidate in Alex Carrington. Ross will be the fifth defensive tackle on the depth chart.

Brown was a tryout player for the Bills in the spring, then spent a chunk of training camp with the team before ultimately being cut. The undrafted rookie out of Pittsburgh is insurance in the event that the Bills have another injury crop up in their backfield.