PITTSFORD, N.Y. -- Buffalo Bills reserve linebacker Ty Powell was carted off the field during Monday's joint practice with the Cleveland Browns with a possible torn ACL in his right knee.
"Obviously that young man would be done for the year if that's the case, if that's indeed the case," coach Rex Ryan said after practice. "But that's just horrible news, because that guy has been playing great for us. Really coming into his own. Finally [found] a home at inside linebacker. Obviously a key cog for our special teams. That's going to be a great loss for us."
Powell, 27, is the Bills' top backup linebacker behind starters Preston Brown and Nigel Bradham. His absence left the Bills with undrafted rookie A.J. Tarpley and sixth-round rookie Tony Steward as the only healthy reserve linebackers. Second-year linebacker Jimmy Gaines remained out Monday with an apparent arm injury and appeared to have fallen behind Tarpley and Steward on the depth chart early in camp.
If Powell's ACL tear is confirmed, Tarpley and Steward both become strong bets to make the 53-man roster.
"We're fortunate," Ryan said of Tarpley. "He's a smart player, obviously from Stanford. You get that. He's got instincts, too. But he's got a chance. And he's gonna have to step it up, there's no doubt."
Powell played in 14 games last season, all as a reserve. He joined the Bills during the 2013 season and impressed coaches with his contributions on special teams.
Browns coach Mike Pettine, who coached Powell as the Bills' defensive coordinator in 2013, witnessed Powell's injury Monday and walked over to the cart to wish Powell well.
"The biggest misfortune of the day obviously is Ty Powell," Pettine said after practice. "I don't have the details on it, but I understand it's a knee. I got to know him when I was here a couple years ago. Great kid ... it's tough to see that."
