Bills DE Alex Carrington will miss rest of season with quad injury

The Buffalo Bills suffered a tough, 27-20 loss to the New York Jets on Sunday, but the bigger loss came down on Monday with the announcement that starting defensive end Alex Carrington will miss the rest of 2013. Carrington was diagnosed with a torn quad tendon after he was carted off the field near the end of Sunday’s game, and his absence leaves a giant void on Buffalo’s defense.

Carrington has appeared in 34 games over the past 2+ seasons with Buffalo and in the process, the 26-year-old has racked up 4 sacks for his trouble. However, much was expected from the defensive end opposite Mario Williams this season, and head coach Doug Marrone made these comments to BuffaloBills.com after the news broke:

"“I feel bad. I’m not going to lie to you and sit here and say next man up. You have feelings and that’s what’s difficult. Here’s someone who has been very productive for the past three games and someone who is a very good football player. Here’s a player who has put in a lot of time, that’s been very consistent, a good leader for us and done everything we’ve asked him to do, and unfortunately he has an injury. ”"

Those read like the words of a hurting coach, and one who has genuine concern for the future of his player.

The Bills have stumbled to a 1-2 record out of the gate, but optimism is still prevalent for the relatively young team. We wish Carrington a quick recovery, but until then, rookie Corbin Bryant is the “next man up” for Buffalo.