Bills DE Schobel, WR Reed out vs. Jets

Oct 31, 2008 - 5:16 PM ORCHARD PARK, Buffalo (Ticker) -- The Buffalo Bills will be without defensive end Aaron Schobel and wide receiver Josh Reed for Sunday's game against the New York Jets.

Bills head coach Dick Jauron updated the status of his two starters Friday.

Schobel, who has led the Bills in sacks each of the last seven seasons, will miss his third straight game due to a strained ligament in his left foot.

Jauron admitted that Schobel is improving but noted that the Bills do not want to jeopardize the long-term health of their top pass rusher.

"He's getting better," Jauron said. "We're not taking any chances with him. He's a terrific player and we'll need him as we move forward. We'll miss him. We've missed him every game he hasn't been on the field. But Aaron is proven - he's a proven player in this league."

The Bills (5-2) certainly have struggled defensively without Schobel, recording just three sacks while allowing 497 passing yards in their last two contests.

Reed will be sidelined by injuries to his right ankle and Achilles' tendon, ailments that have forced him to wear a walking boot this week. Buffalo's second-leading receiver, Reed suffered the injuries in last weekend's 25-16 loss to the Miami Dolphins.

Jauron also announced Friday that starting right guard Brad Butler will miss Sunday's showdown with the AFC East rival Jets (4-3).

Butler sprained his right knee two weeks ago in a 23-14 victory over San Diego and did not play last week against the Dolphins.

Schobel, who has only one sack this season, likely will be replaced by Ryan Denney. Roscoe Parrish and rookie James Hardy figure to replace Reed while Jason Whittle will step in for Butler.