Detroit Lions guard Damien Woody will miss the rest of the season with a sprained foot.

Woody was placed on injured reserve Wednesday. He was hurt Sunday at Minnesota, another blow for Detroit (0-5) and its already banged-up offensive line.

Linemen Ross Verba (hamstring) and Rex Tucker (knee) likely will not play Sunday against Buffalo (2-3), leaving the winless Lions with just two starters protecting quarterback Jon Kitna and opening holes for running back Kevin Jones.

Woody signed a US$31-million, six-year contract _ including a $9-million signing bonus _ with the Lions in 2004 after helping New England win two Super Bowls. He played in all 32 games with Detroit the past two seasons after missing just four regular-season games in five seasons with the Patriots.

For the second time this season, the Lions put wide receiver Devale Ellis on the active roster from the practice squad _ a move that might make it even harder for Mike Williams to get playing time.