Chris

White

The former Mississippi State star was limited to special teams duty as a rookie. He’ll have to compete for a roster spot in 2012.

The sixth-round rookie out of Missisippi State went down in Buffalo’s Week 10 blowout loss to Dallas. White was an incredibly productive college player, but reconstructive knee surgery is a big blow to his long-term NFL outlook.

White, the Bills’ sixth-round pick this season, had two tackles in each of the first three games. He was acting as the No. 5 inside linebacker and special teamer.

White wasn’t going to make the Bills and Lewis wasn’t going to make the Lions, so this is a trade that has a chance to be productive for both sides. A 6-foot-3, 242-pound inside or strong-side linebacker, White can play special teams and add depth in Detroit. The Lions have held an open camp battle at SAM ‘backer, so there’s a chance White could enter that mix eventually.

Detroit acquired White via an August trade with the Browns for QB Thad Lewis. In Foxboro, White will back up strong-side linebacker and cover kickoffs.

White was acquired via a trade with the Bills last Sunday. The Lions quickly realized he wasn’t going to be a factor at SAM. Chapas spent most of last year on the practice squad.

White, 26, doesn’t play defense but is a core special teams player.

White is an excellent run stopper, adept at both shedding blocks and making tackles. However, he lacks NFL-pursuit skills, and is a below-average pass rusher. His snap count on passing downs figures to be minuscule.

White has already been ruled out for this week, and it sounds like he could have a high ankle sprain. The former Mississippi State star will enter the season as Buffalo’s No. 5 inside linebacker, focusing mostly on special teams.