AP

The Bills lost several linebackers who profiled for roles on their defense to injury this offseason and summer.

They’re reportedly parting ways with another one by choice. Adam Schefter of ESPN reports that the Bills will release veteran Manny Lawson on their way to 53 players.

Lawson missed the early part of August with a pectoral injury suffered while working out ahead of training camp, but returned to action a couple of weeks ago to play in the team’s final two preseason games. At one point it looked like he was going to be in the mix for a starting job with first-round pick Shaq Lawson recovering from shoulder surgery and IK Enemkpali out for the season, although the Bills appear to have other ideas.

Lorenzo Alexander now looks like the choice to play opposite Jerry Hughes on the outside of the Bills linebacking corps and the Bills also signed Kroy Biermann last month to provide more options at the position. Lawson will try to catch on elsewhere, although he may be facing league discipline. The Bills confirmed he’s been investigated by the league, but the specific reason is unknown.

Running back James Wilder Jr. announced he’s been dropped from the roster on Twitter and offensive lineman Chris Martin’s agent did the same as the Bills have started letting some players know they won’t be on the team past Saturday’s deadline to pare down the roster.