Just when you think the defense might, just might, get healthy more disaster strikes.

In Buffalo's 6-3 loss to the Cleveland Browns Sunday, linebackers Kawika Mitchell and Marcus Buggs were both lost for the season. Both suffered major knee injuries and were carted off the field. The Bills will be in the market this week for a new middle linebacker.

Paul Posluszny, who broke his arm in the opener, is at least two weeks from returning. Nate Webster, Derek Smith and Pat Thomas top the short list of available middle linebackers. Thomas was signed by the Bills in the spring and cut in camp.

When Mitchell and Buggs went down, strong side linebacker Keith Ellison moved to the middle and Orchard Park-native Jon Corto played in Ellison's old spot. Like Corto, rookie Ashlee Palmer also saw his first defensive snaps Sunday.