ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — The Buffalo Bills have promoted defensive tackle Kyle Peko from their practice squad to replace Harrison Phillips, who was placed on injured reserve.
The move was announced Tuesday, two days after Phillips tore a ligament in his left knee in the final minutes of a 21-17 win over Cincinnati. The second-year player had been evenly splitting snaps with Star Lotulelei over the past two weeks.
Peko combined to play in seven games with Denver in 2016 and '17, and was signed to Buffalo's practice squad a year ago.
This year, he is best remembered for nearly not reporting for the start of training camp in July in order to stay home with his wife after she was diagnosed with Stage 3 Hodgkin lymphoma.
Peko made a good enough impression to be signed to the practice squad. Two weeks ago, his wife announced tests revealed she was cancer-free.
Buffalo also shuffled its practice squad by signing linebacker Nate Hall and releasing linebacker Curtis Atkins.
The Bills prepare to host the unbeaten New England Patriots in a matchup of 3-0 teams Sunday.
