Chris

Hairston

Bell was inactive for Sunday’s win after going down in Week 4. Rookie Chris Hairston will again start this week. Ryan Fitzpatrick took just one sack against the Eagles, but did have trouble completing passes downfield.

“I think the left tackle is vital,” said Nix. “I don’t care how good your receivers are if you’re on your back you can’t throw it to him. You’ve got to protect your quarterback first I think.” USC’s Matt Kalil is unlikely to last until the 10th pick even if the Vikes pass on him. The Bills may end up stuck with Chris Hairston battling a second-day tackle on Ryan Fitzpatrick’s blindside.

“People say Fitz gets the ball out quick, but we run our offense with a lot of empty sets, with five blockers and if they bring six he better get it out,” explained Nix. “In this offense he has to get it out quick.” Nix concedes that Hairston isn’t the “prettiest athlete,” suggesting more of a stopgap than a long-term solution.

Hairston will make his third career start on Ryan Fitzpatrick’s blind side, allowing Andy Levitre to move inside to center as Eric Wood’s replacement. The Bills have done a great job of papering over the O-Line all season.

The plan is to move forward with Colin Brown to finish the season. Demetrius Bell and TE Mike Caussin also suffered knee injuries and are not expected to play in next week’s game. Rookie Chris Hairston is in line for his seventh start at left tackle in place of Bell.

Incumbent Demetrius Bell is a free agent and sustained a serious leg injury in Week 16. That leaves Hairston, the Bills’ fourth-round pick in the 2011 draft. He certainly has the size to do the job at 6'6/326, but athleticism is a concern.

The Bills’ official website expects Glenn to beat out Chris Hairston for blindside duties with a “strong” camp. “He’s got ability and he’s got a work ethic that will allow him to get there,” coach Chan Gailey said. A mountainous 6-foot-6, 345 pounds, Glenn boasts prototypical left tackle size, but just 18 of his 50 college starts came on the blindside. We still like his chances of proving an upgrade on Hairston, who struggled down the stretch last year.

Glenn started each of the Bills’ first two preseason games, and was always the favorite over holdover Chris Hairston. Hairston started seven games in 2011, and will serve as Buffalo’s swing tackle. Glenn boasts left-tackle size at 6-foot-6, 345 pounds, but just 18 of his 50 college starts came on the blindside. Hairston will step in if Glenn struggles early.

Hairston saw action on Ryan Fitzpatrick’s blindside in 11 games last year, faring poorly down the stretch. Glenn should be considered the favorite after taking nearly all of the snaps during spring practices while Hairston filled in for RT Erik Pears (hernia surgery).

Glenn started the preseason opener against the Redskins and handled himself well. Hairston will slide in as the swing tackle, backing up both Glenn and RT Erik Pears. This offensive line was quietly one of the best pass-protecting units in the league last season and figures to get better with the addition of Glenn.