Eds: APNewsNow.

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) Linebacker Pat Thomas has been released by the Buffalo Bills after missing most of training camp with a nagging lower leg injury that prevented him from competing for a backup job.

Coach Dick Jauron said the move was made before practice Wednesday, a day before the Bills host Detroit in both teams' final preseason game. Thomas had been cleared for practice this week after missing part of the team's spring minicamps and most of training camp.

Thomas, a four-year NFL player, signed a one-year deal with Buffalo in March after playing in 12 games with Kansas City last year.

Starting defensive end Chris Kelsay was excused from practice and will miss Thursday's game to be with his daughter who is having surgery in Chicago.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 09-02-09 1216CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list