BREAKING: Bills Make Key Decision on Fan-Favorite Rookie Linebacker
Buffalo Rookie Linebacker is set to make his debut for the Buffalo Bills. The team announced on September 23 that rookie linebacker Joe Andreessen, hailing from Lancaster, N.Y., will be in the lineup for Monday night’s matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Andreessen emerged as a fan favorite during training camp, having initially joined the team through a rookie minicamp tryout before securing a spot on the active roster.
Although Andreessen was inactive for the first two games of the season, an injury to linebacker Terrel Bernard has opened the door for him to play against the Jaguars.
Joe Andreessen’s Fast Rise in Buffalo
Andreessen experienced a rapid and unexpected rise to prominence in Buffalo this offseason. As reported by ESPN’s Alaina Getzenberg, he was not on the college football radar coming out of high school and received only one Division I offer from Bryant University.
Despite setting a single-season record with 116 tackles at Bryant in 2022, he had just one offer when he decided to transfer, ultimately returning to his hometown to play for the University of Buffalo.
He joined the Bills on a rookie minicamp tryout and signed a one-year contract in May, impressing during the preseason. Andreessen recorded a team-high 12 tackles in the second preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers and added eight more tackles in the finale against the Carolina Panthers.
He also showcased his versatility on special teams, contributing to all units throughout the preseason. His performance endeared him to fans, earning him the nickname “Buffalo Joe,” and he secured a spot on the active roster at the end of the preseason.
Terrel Bernard’s Absence Creates Opening
Andreessen did not play in the first two games of the season, but now has the opportunity to provide depth after Terrel Bernard suffered a pectoral injury in the September 12 win against the Miami Dolphins.
While there were initial concerns that Bernard could be out for an extended period, Bills head coach Sean McDermott indicated that he is likely to avoid injured reserve, suggesting that Bernard could return within the next month.
“I don’t know anything else right now,” McDermott said when asked about the possibility of Bernard being placed on IR, according to SI.com. “I don’t think so, but I can’t make that statement with 100% certainty. I feel like we won’t have to go that direction.”
In Bernard’s absence, McDermott stated that third-year linebacker Baylon Spector will take on the starting role. Although Spector has limited defensive experience, McDermott expressed confidence in his readiness to start.
“[I’ve seen] him being him,” McDermott told reporters, as noted by SI.com’s Kyle Silagyi. “Nothing really, honestly, that’s any different than what he’s done before. It’s important that he just plays his game and doesn’t try to do too much and does his job like all of us.”
Before Bernard’s injury, Spector primarily contributed on special teams, but he stepped up in the recent win over the Dolphins, helping limit Miami’s offense to just 10 points. Andreessen could now have the opportunity to fill Spector’s role on special teams for Monday’s game against the Jaguars.