The job of protecting Buffalo Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick's blind side will belong to rookie Cordy Glenn, as coach Chan Gailey announced Monday that the second-round pick had won the team's starting left tackle position.

The Bills picked Glenn 41st overall in April's draft, the earliest spot Buffalo has selected a tackle since taking Mike Williams with the No. 4 overall pick in 2002.

"Cordy's got great ability," Gailey said, according to The Buffalo News. "Ability's not the issue. It's just playing time. He needs as much playing time as he can get. I think if he gets playing time he's got a chance to be a really good football player."

Gailey made the decision in part because Chris Hairston will continue starting at right tackle in place of Erik Pears, who continues to be sidelined by a nagging groin/hernia injury. Hairston was expected to compete with Glenn to start on the left side.

Gailey also announced that quarterback Vince Young has taken the lead over Tyler Thigpen in the competition at backup quarterback. The loser of the competition is expected to be cut because the third-string job is going to receiver/Wildcat specialist Brad Smith.

"It's definitely good news," said Young, who has gone from being the NFL's 2006 Offensive Rookie of the Year with Tennessee to being on his third team in three years. "It's opportunity, man. That's all you can ask for."

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.