ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- Patriots starting defensive end Richard Seymour didn't play in New England's critical game Sunday against Buffalo, missing his first game of the year because of a sore back.
Seymour joined linebacker Tedy Bruschi on the sidelines in a game that had significant playoff implications for the Patriots. The Patriots can win the AFC East with a victory over the Bills and a Miami loss to the New York Jets.
Bruschi was ruled out of his third straight game on Friday because of a knee injury.
Seymour was replaced by backup Jarvis Green.
Pro Bowl left tackle Jason Peters (knee) and running back Marshawn Lynch (shoulder) didn't play for Buffalo. Peters missed his second straight game, while Lynch was held out for the first time this season.
Lynch, the Bills' leading rusher after amassing 1,036 yards on 250 carries, was replaced by Fred Jackson.
Receiver/punt returner Roscoe Parrish also missed the game because of a knee injury.
Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press
