Posted at 9:40 a.m., Thursday, December 6, 2007
NFL: Bills put running back Thomas on injured reserve
Advertiser Staff
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — Anthony Thomas' season is over after the Buffalo Bills placed the veteran running back on injured reserve today with a torn calf muscle.Thomas, the NFL rookie of the year in 2001, had missed one game after being hurt in a 36-14 loss at Jacksonville on Nov. 25. In his second season with Buffalo, Thomas was being used in third-down situations and as a backup to rookie starter Marshawn Lynch.
Thomas had 36 carries for 89 yards and added 15 catches for 95 yards and a touchdown in 10 games, including two starts this year.
He became the 13th Bills player placed on IR this season, with the move coming as Buffalo (6-6) prepares to host the Miami Dolphins (0-12) this weekend.
Lynch's status is uncertain because of a sprained left ankle, potentially leaving the Bills down to two running backs: Fred Jackson, who made his first career start in a 17-16 win at Washington last weekend, and rookie fourth-round pick Dwayne Wright.
To fill Thomas' roster spot, the Bills re-signed linebacker Leon Joe two weeks after the team released him. Joe, who appeared in five games with Buffalo this season, rejoined the team after he was released by Jacksonville on Friday, a few days after the team signed him.
