Brad

Butler

He got the nod over Duke Preston and journeyman Jason Whittle. Butler, a second-year player, has made the transition from college tackle to guard.

Buffalo will likely use rookie Eric Wood at right guard with Andy Levitre at left guard. Butler, an offensive tackle for Al Groh at UVA, has the size (6'7/315) to be effective at his college position. Still, with Langston Walker at LT this is one of the least athletic tackle duos in the league.

Butler’s return pushes developmental project Demetrius Bell back to the bench, but the Bills still have one of the least athletic tackle duos in the league.

Butler, in his first season at tackle, couldn’t put weight on his right knee after Bucs DE Stylez White rolled into the back of his legs. Journeyman Jonathan Scott came on to replace him and fared surprisingly well. The Bills’ line depth will be a concern all season.

Will this news mean that Jon Runyan has finally found a home? It sure seems like a good fit. Jonathan Scott replaced Butler in the Week 2 win over the Bucs but the Bills are really thin on the offensive line right now.

Kirk Chambers will fill in, but Butler’s absence adds to the challenge of trying to get the revamped offensive line on the same page in time for the season.

Butler was the team’s most physical run blocker after the losses of Langston Walker and Derrick Dockery. Buffalo will turn to one of journeymen Jonathan Scott and Kirk Chambers the rest of the way. With a finesse line now that projects better for pass protection than power runs, the Bills may lean on Fred Jackson’s versatility in the backfield even when Marshawn Lynch returns.

The Bills’ line has been adequate for the second straight week, but Butler’s loss will hurt. He was replaced by Jonathan Scott, who was out of the league for most of last season.

It appears he was a bigger priority than LT Jason Peters. Butler, a fifth-round pick in 2006, has developed into a nasty run blocking starter after sitting most of his rookie year due to a college injury. Terms were undisclosed.