After wearing out his welcome in St. Louis, guard Richie Incognito will have a chance for a fresh start with the Buffalo Bills.
The injury-depleted Billsclaimed Incognito off waivers Wednesday, one day he was released by the Rams, according to NFL Network's Michael Lombardi. The Miami Dolphins also put in a claim for Incognito, Lombardi reports.
Listed at 6-foot-3 and 324 pounds, Incognito was selected by St. Louis in the third round of the 2005 draft.
A starter since his second NFL season, Incognito's fiery style of play eventually got him into trouble. The last straw for the Rams came Sunday, when Incognito was benched during the second half of a 47-7 loss to the Tennessee Titans after the guard drew two personal-foul penalties for head-butting.
Selected as the dirtiest player in the NFL by The Sporting News earlier this year, Incognito also was benched after drawing two personal-foul penalties during a season-opening 28-0 loss at Seattle. Last season, Incognito criticized the Rams' dwindling fan base, made an obscene gesture to a TV cameraman during practice and encouraged hecklers by cupping his hands to his ears while leaving the field after a loss.
Incognito still is considered a solid run-blocker, who started 44 games with the Rams.
The move comes before the Bills (5-8) play host to the New England Patriots (8-5) on Sunday and marks Buffalo's latest attempt to address a banged-up line that could be down yet two more regulars.
Tackle Jonathan Scott didn't practice Wednesday after sustaining an eye injury during a 16-10 win at Kansas City last weekend. Guard Kendall Simmons, who was thrust into the starting lineup days after being signed three weeks ago, also missed practice because of a shoulder injury.
The Bills haven't boasted a healthy front five all season and now have three starters on injured reserve after left tackle Demetrius Bell was placed on the season-ending list last week.
It's unclear when Incognito will join the Bills.
Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo called it a difficult decision to release Incognito, but he noted he believed it was a move "made in the best interest of the football team, and I do think it's good for both parties."
Spagnuolo added: "I've got a lot of respect for Richie. I like him a lot. I wish him the best."
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
