With starting linebacker Kawika Mitchell questionable for Sunday's game with an ankle injury and not much experience behind him, Buffalo made a move to shore up the depth in their linebacking corps signing free agent linebacker Teddy Lehman.
Lehman (6'2", 238) was most recently with the Lions, the team that made him a second-round pick in 2004, but after suffering an injury in the preseason he was placed on injured reserve. Four days later he reached an injury settlement with the club and was released.
The five-year veteran has played mostly strong side linebacker, but has served in a backup role as a middle linebacker as well. He was also a solid contributor on special teams in his time with Detroit.
Lehman, considered a very intelligent player, is familiar with Buffalo's defensive scheme and will travel with the team to Foxborough this weekend. He's expected to dress for Sunday's game and will wear jersey number 58.
Bills head coach Dick Jauron has plenty of first-hand background on Lehman since the linebacker played under him as a rookie and second-year player with the Lions in 2004 and 2005 when Jauron was the team's defensive coordinator.
Lehman started in all 16 games his rookie season under Jauron at strong side linebacker, finishing with 120 tackles good for second best on the team.
Since then however, Lehman's career has been marred by injuries. In 2005, Lehman played in just five games and was placed on injured reserve with an ankle injury. The following season Lehman began the year on the physically unable to perform list with a foot injury.
He eventually played in four games in the 2006 season before a hamstring injury cost him the final five games of the year.
In 2007 Lehman was reduced to a backup role at both strong side and middle linebacker. He appeared in all 16 games, but it was mainly on special teams.
Injured reserve for Youboty
To make room for Lehman on the 53-man roster, the Bills placed cornerback Ashton Youboty on injured reserve effectively ending his season.
Youboty had been dealing with plantar fasciitis in his foot for the better part of the past month and recently suffered a setback in his attempt to return from the injury. No word on whether surgery will be necessary for his condition.
Buffalo now has just four cornerbacks on their active roster.
