Midweek Notes, AKA: Injury Report

The list of the walking wounded continues to mount in Western New York, however one of those who has been a weekly member of the injury report may have a far more significant ailment than originally anticipated.  Pro Bowl defensive end Aaron Schobel will not only be out again this weekend, but is now in jeopardy of missing the remainder of the season with a nagging foot injury that has recently been likened to the one that sidelined the Colts’ Dwight Freeney a year ago.

With all that has been said about the Buffalo pass rush, or lack thereof, this is potentially devastating news for a team that has gone 1-2 without him in the line-up, and 1-3 since the injury was first incurred.  The one positive that I may be able to find from this, is that the Bills may have their hand forced into playing a more aggressive style of defense.  They have not blitzed as consistently as they did in the early part of the season (likely the result of a lack of confidence in a banged up secondary), and they may have to start taking more chances in order to apply at least some semblance of a pass rush.

Schobel’s injury is not the only one warranting serious concern.  The newest member of this unfortunate group is defensive captain Donte Whitner.  As was mentioned in the post game blog, Whitner separated his shoulder during the second half of the Jets game, and will not play this week.  And like Monday afternoon, his status beyond that is still up in the air.  This too is obviously going to be a huge loss.

Joining Schobel and Whitner on the injury report are WR Josh Reed (indefinitely), CB Ashton Youboty (day-to-day), G Brad Butler (1-2 weeks) and his replacement G Jason Whittle (1-2 weeks).

So who will be inserted into the line-up in lieu of those mentioned above?  Expect Ryan Denney to continue to see 1st team reps in place of Schobel, but Copeland Bryan (sigh) and rookie Chris Ellis will also see action.  Bryan Scott will take over for Whitner, and while #20 is not easily replaced, I believe the loss at this position will not be felt as badly as it has been in Schobel’s old slot.  McKelvin will continue to play the role of nickel back, and his time will increase with Scott having to move to safety full-time in Whitner’s absence.

On the offensive side of the ball, the much maligned Melvin Fowler will be the largest beneficiary of the injuries, as he will have the opportunity to win his starting job at center back.  Why?  Because with Butler and Whittle on the sidelines, the Bills are forced to slide Fowler’s replacement, Duke Preston, over to right guard, thus leaving the center position open again.  At receiver, Hardy will continue to see additional playing time, but his lack of production is cause for concern.  Enter Steve Johnson.  I’ve been beating on this drum for a few weeks now, and I suspect he will begin to see more and more time as Hardy continues to struggle in his development.

Regardless of the aforementioned misfortune, Buffalo have to come together as a team, and overcome it this weekend, otherwise a season that was filled with such hope, will begin to slip away.  And after watching last year’s team, I fully expect them to do just that. 

Go Bills!

timanderson@sportstalkbuzz.com

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