ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- The Buffalo Bills' defensive backfield is suddenly depleted because of injuries sustained in Sunday's 27-7 loss to the New Orleans Saints.
Starting cornerback Leodis McKelvin didn't return after aggravating an ankle injury during the first half. Also unable to finish were starting safeties Donte Whitner, who hurt his thumb, and Bryan Scott, who also hurt his ankle in the second half. Starting left tackle Demetrius Bell left the game after sustaining a groin injury.
Bills coach Dick Jauron didn't provide further details and only said that the players were being evaluated.
McKelvin, who left the game midway through the first half, already had been bothered by a sore ankle that he hurt in last week's 33-20 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. That prevented him from handling kickoff returns against the Saints.
Bell didn't return after he was hurt during the fourth quarter and was replaced by veteran backup Kirk Chambers. The Bills' offensive line already is depleted after losing starting right tackle Brad Butler to a season-ending knee injury last week.
Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press
