Alex Carrington injury puts Corbin Bryant into Bills' starting lineup

Much like they've been doing in their secondary for the better part of a month, the Buffalo Bills are doing a bit of scrambling trying to replace defensive end Alex Carrington in the starting lineup.

Carrington, who tore a quadriceps tendon in last Sunday's 27-20 loss to the New York Jets and has since been placed on Injured Reserve, played a very specific role in Mike Pettine's defense - he was a power end, capable of playing four- and five-technique or sliding inside on passing downs. That type of player needs range to set the edge, but enough power to hold up inside. Carrington will not be easily replaced.

Bills head coach Doug Marrone was asked on Monday if veteran defensive lineman Alan Branch would see his role expand with Carrington out of the lineup. His response was telling.

"It could potentially," Marrone said. "I think Corbin Bryant's role will definitely increase. I’ve been very, very happy with his past two games and the way he’s performed."

Branch measures in at 6'6" and 325 pounds. He played some four-technique while with the Seattle Seahawks, but is not an athletic fit for that power end role - he lacks the range to make plays on the perimeter, and is more of an interior lane-plugger. That may be why the Bills are talking up the 6'4", 300-pound Bryant - he has a bit more pep in his step, and offers a closer approximation to Carrington than Branch does.

Bryant was inactive in Week 1, and has played 37 snaps between the Bills' last two games. Branch has 110 snaps to his name on the season, and is clearly the more experienced of the two players. You'll likely see both players on the field more often with Carrington out of the lineup, but in base sets, expect Bryant to work with the first team.