Buffalo Joe is set to hit the field for the Buffalo Bills. On September 23, the team announced that rookie linebacker Joe Andreessen, a local favorite from Lancaster, N.Y., will play in Monday night’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. After impressing in training camp and earning a spot on the active roster, Andreessen had been inactive for the first two games but gets his shot due to linebacker Terrel Bernard’s injury.
Andreessen’s rapid ascent this offseason is noteworthy. He wasn’t on the college football radar after high school and had only one Division I offer from Bryant University. After setting a single-season record with 116 tackles at Bryant in 2022, he transferred to the University of Buffalo before joining the Bills on a rookie minicamp tryout, eventually securing a one-year contract. His standout performances in the preseason, including a team-high 12 tackles against the Steelers, won him the nickname “Buffalo Joe” and a place on the active roster.
With Bernard sidelined due to a pectoral injury sustained on September 12, Andreessen now has the opportunity to contribute. While initial concerns suggested Bernard might be out for an extended period, head coach Sean McDermott indicated he might avoid injured reserve, potentially returning in the next month. In Bernard’s absence, third-year linebacker Baylon Spector will start, and McDermott has expressed confidence in his readiness. Andreessen may also step into a role on special teams for the upcoming game against the Jaguars.