ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — Defensive end Aaron Schobel was placed on injured reserve today because of a nagging left foot injury that has forced the Buffalo Bills' top pass-rusher to miss most of the season.

The team announced the move in a two-paragraph statement a day after coach Dick Jauron indicated the Bills were considering whether to end the player's season. Schobel has missed eight games since severely spraining a ligament that connects the big toe to his foot.

The Bills hoped Schobepractice last week. Schobel has visited numerous specialists over the past two months, but is not expected to require surgery.

Schobel registered 35 tackles and one sack in five games this season. He's been sorely missed by a defense that's managed 12 sacks in its past nine games after registering 10 in the first four games.

He becomes the ninth Bills player placed on IR, a list that includes several defensive regulars, among them cornerback Ashton Youboty and linebackers Angelo Crowell and John DiGiorgio.

The Bills (6-7) have lost six of seven and have been all but mathematically eliminated from playoff contention as they travel to the Meadowlands to play the New York Jets (8-5) on Sunday.

Jauron said cornerback Jabari Greer has an outside chance of playing against the Jets after missing three straight games with a knee injury. Safety Donte Whitner returned to practice Thursday after missing Wednesday's session because of migraines.

Backup quarterback J.P. Losman is expected to make his second consecutive start with Trent Edwards still not practicing because of a groin injury.