Bills Sign Veteran LB Before Steelers Game

The Bills signed veteran linebacker A.J. Klein to their practice squad and released defensive tackle Eli Ankou, the team announced on Thursday. That comes ahead of the Steelers game and is notable, as Bills’ starting linebacker Tyrel Dodson is dealing with a shoulder injury. Dodson did not practice on Thursday.

Klein is a veteran with plenty of experience with the Bills. He played in two games for the team earlier this season, but joined the team in 2020, starting 16 games over the last few seasons for them. Since joining the NFL in 2013, Klein has started 82 games.

Terrel Bernard has played well for the Bills next to Dodson, who is filling in for the injured Matt Milano. If Dodson can not play, Klein will likely see some action along with Dorian Williams, Baylon Spector, and maybe even former Steelers linebacker Tyler Matakevich.

Dodson is not the only injury facing the Bills. Starting cornerback Rasul Douglas has a knee injury. Safety Taylor Rapp did not practice with a calf injury and wide receiver Gabe Davis sat out with a PCL sprain.

Pitt product Dane Jackson would start if he could not play. He filled in admirably for Douglas, who missed the rest of the game after some friendly fire resulted in his knee injury.

Davis torched the Steelers last year in Buffalo, catching three passes for 171 yards and two touchdowns. They will see more of Khalil Shakir and Trent Sherfield if he cannot go. Shakir has more of his receptions go for a first down or touchdown than anyone else in the league. Sherfield’s play has been more up-and-down, but he did make a circus touchdown grab against the Dolphins on a deflected pass.