Defensive end Anthony Hargrove, who lost his starting job with the St. Louis Rams after skipping two days of practice and meetings this season, was traded Monday to the Buffalo Bills for a fifth-round draft choice in 2007.

Hargrove was inactive Sunday, when the Rams lost 30-28 to Seattle, and has played just three games this season. The third-round selection out of Georgia Tech in 2004 played in 35 games for St. Louis, starting 19. He has just two tackles, one assist and a half sack this season.

Last month, he failed show at Rams Park on consecutive days. Hargrove was fined an undisclosed amount and did not make the trip to Arizona for the Rams' 16-14 victory on Sept. 24. Rookie Victor Adeyanju, a fourth-round pick, took over Hargrove's spot. Hargrove apologized for his absence but did not say why he took time off without notifying the team.

The Rams (4-2) have a bye week. The team said coach Scott Linehan would discuss the trade during an afternoon news conference.

Hargrove could get immediate playing time in Buffalo. The Bills' pass rush has been ineffective, and the team is thin on the defensive line. Buffalo was down to three defensive tackles after placing rookie first-round pick John McCargo on injured reserve Saturday after he broke his left foot against Chicago on Oct. 8.

Buffalo (2-4) has managed just six sacks the past four games. The Bills also have struggled against the run, allowing 287 yards rushing in the past two games.

Buffalo starts two rookie safeties, and rookie fifth-round defensive tackle Kyle Williams has had significant playing time.

To make room on their roster for Hargrove, the Bills placed linebacker Josh Stamer on injured reserve. Stamer hurt his right knee in Sunday's 20-17 loss at Detroit.