On Wednesday, the Bills placed running back Fred Jackson on injured reserve with a fractured right fibula.

It was a strange turn of events for Jackson, who was ruled out for Sunday’s matchup against the Jets earlier in the day. He was originally thought to have a minor calf bruise, but the writing was on the wall after coach Chan Gailey didn’t know whether or not he’d play again this season, admitting, “Fred’s not good.”

It’s a tough break — literally — for F-Jax, the league’s third-leading rusher who was enjoying a breakout season with 1,376 yards from scrimmage and six rushing touchdowns. He was hoping to receive a new contract, feeling he outplayed his current deal, but that’s not going to happen now. He’ll first have to prove he’s healthy and can return to form before Buffalo breaks the bank.

C.J. Spiller, the team’s former first-round pick, will step into the starting lineup and will get his chance at justifying his draft status. Though not as good as Jackson as a receiving threat, Spiller offers more lateral quickness and straight-line speed.

In case Spiller doesn’t pan out as the featured back, the Bills were awarded Tashard Choice off waivers.

Choice, who’s quickly becoming a journeyman, was waived by the Redskins on Tuesday, less than a month after the Cowboys dumped him. He’s somewhat of a veteran insurance policy, though he can’t be counted on to positively produce on a weekly basis.

The revamped Bills backfield will get their first test against the Jets’ stout run defense. It’s not a good situation for the Bills, who appear on the verge of a major collapse after a scorching hot start.

The main catalyst behind their recent success has been the play of quarterback Tony Romo, who looked especially impeccable against the visiting Bills on Sunday.

During Dallas’ 44-7 rout of Buffalo, Romo posted a virtually perfect statline, completing 23-of-26 passes for 270 yards and three touchdowns. More importantly, he didn’t turn the ball over, and completed 88.5% of his passes, a franchise record.

From the outset, it was apparent Romo was in for a big afternoon. On just the fifth play from scrimmage, he hooked up with receiver Dez Bryant for a 34-yard touchdown.

Later, he connected with Laurent Robinson, in for the injured Miles Austin, on scoring receptions from five and 56-yards out.

Romo has recovered from early season miscues and untimely turnovers to begin looking like the Cowboys’ franchise quarterback — one that’s surrounded by a bevy of talent, even without Austin. It also helps to employ a dominant rushing attack, anchored by rookie DeMarco Murray, who had 191 total yards and a touchdown in the game.

In any case, Romo has a good chance to keep his hot hand going against the mediocre Redskins’ defense in Week 11.

Take, for instance, Stevie Johnson, the Bills’ leading receiver who wowed his teammates and followers after imitating his head coach with a familiar fashion statement.

Via the Sporting News, Johnson took to Twitter on Monday night to show off his Halloween costume, an exact replica of Chan Gailey‘s typical gameday garb — right down to the play-call sheet.

He captioned the picture, saying, “Stevie do that lil thing you do off the line and, and, you know.. We’ll have a Big Play.”

Apparently, Johnson’s outfit was a big hit in the locker room.

“Oh yeah, I saw it,” quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick told the Buffalo News. “It was good. It was pretty funny. Somehow, I don’t know how, Stevie makes every outfit he wears look cool. Not to say that Chan doesn’t look cool, but that vest, Stevie made it look cool.’’

Gailey, who’s yet to feast his eyes on the image, took Johnson’s flattery in stride.

“He’s got too much time on his hands,” Gailey said.

At 5-2, Buffalo has plenty of reason to smile, but their demeanor will have to change quickly as a huge Week 9 divisional showdown with the Jets looms.

As it turns out, Mort’s report proved to be accurate as the seventh-year pro is now financially ingrained as Buffalo’s franchise signal-caller.

According to Mortensen, the Bills signed Fitzpatrick to a six-year, $59 million contract extension Friday.

The pact includes $24 million in guarantees and will pay him $11 million annually over the first three years, a steep jump up from the $3.195 million he’s earning this season.

While it’s an extraordinary amount of money to pay the 28-year-old, who was nothing more than a journeyman not too long ago, Fitzpatrick has led the second-highest scoring offense in the NFL this season, one that’s averaging 31.3 points per contest.

More importantly, his play has been the driving force behind the Bills’ 4-2 start as they look to earn a playoff berth for the time since 1999.

Fitzpatrick has shined in coach Chan Gailey‘s offense, which relies on short drops and quick reads, perfectly suited for the Harvard graduate. The proof is in his play; thus far, he’s passed for 1,477 yards, 12 touchdowns and six interceptions with a stellar 66.3 completion percentage.

Let’s not kid ourselves: the Bills overpaid. Same as the Chiefs, who handed Matt Cassel $63 million in 2009. Fitzpatrick has his flaws, such as apparent physical limitations and a knack for disappearing toward the end of the last two seasons. But he’s arguably the team’s best quarterback since Doug Flutie and finally gives them some long-term security at the position after years of suffering through JP Losman and Trent Edwards.

It will be interesting to see how Fitzpatrick closes out the year now that he’s cashed in. Considering the monetary value, one has to figure the expectations have significantly been raised.

Now it appears he’s about to be paid like an elite player, too.

According to ESPN’s Chris Mortensen, the Bills are working toward signing Fitzpatrick to a long-term contract extension, one that’s valued in the “second-tier” among quarterbacks.

Under the new deal, he would be paid between $9 and $12 million per season, comparable to the six-year, $63 million contract Matt Cassel signed with the Chiefs.

The team hopes to have the new pact in place “by the time the Bills take the field in Week 8.”

Fitzpatrick, who’s scheduled to hit free agency after the season, is the main catalyst behind the Bills’ sudden rejuvenation.

A career journeyman out of Harvard, he landed with Buffalo in 2009, replacing an injured (and ineffective) Trent Edwards. It wasn’t until this season, under the tutelage of second-year coach Chan Gailey, that Fitzpatrick really began to shine.

Showing an excellent command of the offense, he’s posted 1,477 passing yards, 12 touchdowns, and only six interceptions in six games. Only the Packers (32.8) are averaging more points per game than the Bills (31.3), who are simply scoring at will on the opposition.

Although the proposed price tag seems a bit high — after all, no one would mistake him for Tom Brady — Fitzpatrick is finally the long-term answer at quarterback for an organization that’s long lacked any semblance of one. There is absolutely no question they’re making the right move by locking him up early — and for the long haul.

Jackson has been pining for a new contract, and has had no luck with the Bills’ front office. Now it’s on the verge of becoming a problem for Buffalo’s brass — both on and off the field.

The Associated Press reports that Jackson has grown “annoyed” over the lack of a new deal, which he feels he’s earned with his continually solid play.

“We’ve approached them, and it’s not gone the way we would’ve liked it to,” Jackson told The Associated Press prior to practice Wednesday. “I’m annoyed by it. I’ve been playing at a high level for three straight years now. I would like something to be done about it this year. I want something done that’s fair for myself and the team.”

Jackson has two years left on his current contract, and is scheduled to make $1.75 million this season, tenth highest on the team. He thinks a restructuring is in order, but that’s about as far as that goes.

Coach Chan Gailey, not exactly known to have an intimate relationship with the media, wouldn’t comment, citing team policy.

With 229 yards and a 6.5 yards-per-carry average, Jackson has been the main catalyst for the Bills two games in; the “the heart and soul of this team”, as offensive tackle Demetrius Bell put it.

His 117 yard, two touchdown performance in Week 2 helped catapult Buffalo to a last-second comeback win over the Raiders. Jackson’s making peanuts compared to other top-tier backs — see: Johnson, Chris. The production and backing by his teammates speak for themselves.

He’s played himself into a pay bump, and don’t think for a second the Bills don’t know that. He’s the most reliable player, aside from maybe quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, they have. It’s not going to pay him $50 million, and he won’t get $20 million or more in guarantees, but Jackson and the organization should be able to hammer out a financial solution soon — especially if their first-place fame continues.

According to the Associated Press, the Bills signed Williams to a six-year, $39 million contract extension on Friday. The deal also includes $17 million in guarantees, and will pay the All-Pro up to $8.2 million — depending on incentives — annually. It’s in the same ballpark as the extension Patriots defensive tackle Vince Wilfork signed in 2010 — five-years, $40 million.

Williams, now signed through 2016, had two-years remaining on his previous contract, which had a combined $3.555 million left on the life of it. The team is essentially locking him up early while he’s still in his prime.

“He’s real happy to remain a Bill,” Williams’ agent Albert Elias said. “Three contracts in five years shows their commitment to winning, and that’s exciting.”

Buffalo struck gold when they selected Williams in the fifth-round of the 2006 draft. Stepping into the starting lineup as a rookie, Williams has shined on a defense that has lacked additional star power. In 78 career games, he’s totaled 292 tackles and 13.5 sacks, proving to be a force both against the run and the pass.

With No. 3 overall pick Marcell Dareus projected to start alongside him, the low brow Williams shouldn’t have to shoulder all of the load from here on out, and will have the opportunity to emerge from under the radar and into the national spotlight.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Ravens acquired Lee Evans from the Bills in exchange for a 2012 fourth-round draft pick.

Evans was rumored to be on the trading block for the last week, and Buffalo GM Buddy Nix confirmed as much on Thursday by refusing to rule out a trade involving the former first-round pick.

The 30-year-old Evans spent his first seven seasons with the Bills. Even though he has been apart of some awful offenses over the years, he’s still managed to accumulate 377 receptions, 5,934 receiving yards, and 43 touchdowns.

For the first time in his pro career, Evans will get to play for a contending team, let alone on an offense that should be fairly potent this season.

Because there are a bunch of question marks after Anquan Boldin, Evans will step right into the fold as the primary vertical threat for quarterback Joe Flacco. Boldin will reportedly focus on the “short and intermediate routes.”

Rookie wideouts Torrey Smith and Tandon Doss — who both proved they still have a ways to go before making a major impact — will move down the depth chart as they’re now stuck behind two entrenched veterans.

According to YNN Buffalo, Paul Hubbard was arrested in Buffalo early Sunday morning after his car struck a police officer.

The officer was hospitalized and then released. Hubbard was charged with driving while intoxicated.

Originally a sixth round pick of the Browns in 2008, Hubbard spent a year in Oakland before latching on with the Bills last season. He totaled just one catch for eight yards in 2010.

Buried on Buffalo’s depth chart, Hubbard’s chances of making the team were already shaky at best. Now, with this unlucky incident, the former Wisconsin Badger will be lucky to make it through training camp.

In the coming days, I will be reflecting on the top 10 picks from April’s draft and analyze, among other things, their past accomplishments, present status, and — using my best judgment — predict what lies in store for the future.

Next up: Marcell Dareus. Previously: Cam Newton | Von Miller.

Sitting with the No. 3 selection in the draft, the Buffalo Bills watched two potential picks come off the board before it was their turn on the clock.

Although they could’ve used a franchise quarterback like Cam Newton or an explosive pass-rushing threat like Von Miller, Buffalo still ended up with a great player who could immediately help their woeful defense — Alabama’s Marcell Dareus.

With an undersized and underwhelming front four, the Bills couldn’t stop the run to save their lives last year. To remedy that problem, they went out and drafted one of the best all-around defensive linemen available. One of Dareus’ specialties is making life tough for opposing running backs. Compared to the past, when opponents were gliding through holes a Mack truck could easily squeeze through, this was a definite pick of need.

But how much of an immediate difference can Dareus make, and will it be enough to pull Buffalo out of the defensive cellar?

FLASHBACK: At Alabama, Dareus didn’t do much of anything in his rookie year. Appearing in just eight games for the Crimson Tide, he played second-fiddle to Terrence Cody, a mammoth defensive tackle who was eventually drafted by the Baltimore Ravens. His sophomore year, however, was an entirely different story. Dareus played in all 14 games for ‘Bama in 2009, contributing 33 tackles (nine for loss), 6.5 sacks, and seven quarterback hurries as the school’s top pass-rushing lineman. He was named the defensive MVP of the 2010 BCS National Championship Game.

In his final season at Alabama, Dareus went on to have another solid campaign, despite missing two games due to an NCAA suspension. He finished the year with 34 tackles (11 for loss), 4.5 sacks, and ten quarterback hurries.

AT THE MOMENT: Obviously, due to his high draft status, Dareus will be expected to step in from day one and lend his talents to a defense that’s thirsting for a playmaker of any sort. His size and weight (6’3″, 219 lbs) makes him an ideal fit in Buffalo’s 3-4 alignment. He already has experience in that kind of setup as that’s what his former coach, Nick Saban, employed at Alabama.

Dareus will likely be plugged in at defensive end to start the season, possibly in a rotation with Dwan Edwards and Spencer Johnson. It also wouldn’t be surprising to see him kick to nose tackle when Kyle Williams needs a breather. He has the build and experience to thrive in both roles.

WHAT TO LIKE: Dareus’ unique skill-set makes it tough to hone in on just one positive trait about his game. He’s an unusually good pass-rusher, capable of batting down passes and getting to the quarterback. His superior strength and ability to shed blocks allows him to disrupt running lanes and engulf running backs. He also possesses a high football IQ, having played for a top-notch football program like Alabama’s. That will obviously serve him well at the pro level.

WHAT NOT TO LIKE: He doesn’t have many cons, but like anybody else, Dareus is not perfect. His character was called into question by some scouts due to his aforementioned suspension, and his 4.93 forty-time means he’s not the fleetest of foot. Durability could also be a concern for him after he battled through a knee injury for most of the previous year.

WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS: Assuming he stays healthy through training camp and the preseason, Dareus should receive an abundance of playing time when the regular season finally sashays around. He may not be penciled into the starting lineup early on, but Dareus will definitely see his fair share of reps.

Although he’ll be called upon to help rebuild a lackluster defense, Dareus won’t have the pressure to succeed right away as someone like Cam Newton. As with any rookie player, he’ll be experiencing a learning curve and will have to adjust to the speed of the game. He alone probably won’t be enough to turn the Bills into the Steelers, Ravens, or Jets — who each sport elite run defenses — in one year, but his presence should do wonders for the organization.

Depending on how many games he appears in, Dareus looks to post a respectable stat line. Something like 50 tackles, 4 sacks, and a handful of tackles behind the line of scrimmage is my official prediction.

Between Dareus’ projected impact and the team’s brand-spankin’ new uniforms they’ll be rocking, Bills fans have at least two reasons to remain hopeful in 2011.