The Bills have placed linebacker Von Miller on Injured Reserve. Miller suffered a knee injury during Week 12's game against the Lions on Thanksgiving.
Miller will not be able to play or return to practice for at least four weeks.
General manager Brandon Beane said they are hoping to get Miller back for the end of the season.
"We've been assessing Von this week and seeing how he is, and we don't want to rush him back," Beane said. "This gives us a chance to go ahead and count tonight's game and three more on injured reserve. And hopefully we can get him back for the stretch run."
In 11 games this season, Miller has totaled eight sacks, 12 quarterback hits, 10 tackles for loss, one forced fumble and 21 total tackles. He leads the team in sacks and quarterback hits.
Beane said if Miller could, he would be on the field to play against the Patriots but think it's best to give him time to heal.
"The competitor in him – if he could wheel it out there tonight, he would do it," Beane added. "We just think in talking to the medical people that the best decision right now is to give this time, and that gives him the best opportunity to help us down the stretch."
