ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- Marcell Dareus played just 22 snaps against the Falcons, which was the lowest number of any defensive player. Head Coach Sean McDermott says it was a combination of the rotation and Dareus returning slowly from an ankle injury.

"Injuries occur and I'm doing the best I can to play through them and McDermott understands, he's fully aware and as I want to play, he needs me to play, he wants me to play, I'm doing the best I can in the training room and whatever we have to do to get out there and play the best possible," said the defensive lineman.

McDermott said Dareus' role will likely increase as he gets healthier, but was noncommittal as to whether that means he'll regain the starting job. Cedric Thorton started in the veteran's place.

"There’s great competition on our roster right now and I love that and the players want that. That’s why they work during the week. They understand what’s at stake," McDermott said. "We’re only going to continue. Competition takes everyone’s game up a notch. That’s good for us.​"