With Fred Jackson (groin) and C.J. Spiller (broken collarbone) both injured in Sunday's win over the Minnesota Vikings, the Buffalo Bills needed running back depth.
The Bills bolstered their backfield Tuesday by signing free agent Phillip Tanner, his agents announced on Twitter:
Congrats #PSMG RB Phillip Tanner on signing with the @buffalobills! @PTanner34 #Bills #BillsMafia
— Precision Sports (@PrecisionSport_) October 21, 2014Tanner, 26, played in 39 games for the Dallas Cowboys from 2011-2013. He has averaged 2.7 yards on 56 career carries and has nine receptions. Tanner also contributed on special teams for the Cowboys.
The Bills have yet to make a corresponding roster move. One option is to move Spiller to injured reserve with a designation to return, which would keep him out until at least Week 16.
With Spiller expected to miss significant time and Jackson also out for possibly a month, Anthony Dixon and Bryce Brown will shoulder the load at running back, with Tanner now in the fold as a third option.
Tanner might not have been the Bills' first choice, however. ESPN NFL Nation Tennessee Titans reporter Paul Kuharsky reported Tuesday that the Titans signed running back Antonio Andrews off their practice squad after the Bills made him an offer to join their 53-man roster.