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The Honolulu Advertiser
Updated at 11:06 a.m., Tuesday, October 21, 2008

NFL: Season-ending knee surgery for Bills LB DiGiorgio

Associated Press

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Bills reserve linebacker John DiGiorgio is scheduled to have season-ending surgery next week to repair a torn ligament in his right knee, according to the player's agent.

Christopher Murray also told The Associated Press on Tuesday that the team has informed him DiGiorgio will be placed on injured reserve.

The Bills provided no update on DiGiorgio's status, except to note that coach Dick Jauron will discuss all of the team's injuries on Wednesday during his weekly news conference.

A special teams standout and versatile reserve who can play all three linebacker positions, DiGiorgio was hurt blocking on a punt return in the second quarter of a 23-14 win over San Diego on Sunday. He was carted off the field and left the locker room on crutches after the game, unable to put any weight on his right leg.

His injury further depletes Buffalo's depth at linebacker, leaving them without an experienced backup as the Bills (5-1) prepare to play at Miami on Sunday. Starter Angelo Crowell (knee) was placed on IR before the start of the season, and rookie fifth-round draft pick Alvin Bowen sustained a season-ending knee injury in training camp.

Blake Costanzo is the team's most experienced linebacker after appearing in three games last year and six this season, mostly on special teams. Then there's Jon Corto, who was converted from safety this offseason.

DiGiorgio, an undrafted free agent out of Michigan's Saginaw Valley, is a third-year player who had 14 starts on an injury-depleted unit last season. He's appeared in six games this year, mostly on special teams.