By Associated Press
Buffalo, NY – Buffalo Pro Bowl linebacker Takeo Spikes is out for the season with a torn right Achilles' tendon.
The Bills announced the news Monday. Teammates say this could be devastating.
Spikes was hurt in Sunday's 24-to-16 loss to Atlanta as he was pressuring Falcons quarterback Michael Vick.
Spikes is an eight-year NFL veteran and two-time Pro Bowl selection in his third season with Buffalo. Until now, he has missed just one game, in 2001 for his father's funeral.
Spikes had 255 tackles, seven interceptions and five sacks and forced five fumbles in two seasons with Buffalo.
Third-year veteran Angelo Crowell will replace Spikes.
Buffalo's defense has struggled even with Spikes healthy, allowing a combined 721 yards in its last two games.