Stupar Gets His Big Chance

PITTSFORD, NY (WIVB) - He wears #88.  He has been on the team since last year.  Right now, he is the Bills starting tight end.  But only die-hard Buffalo football know very much about Jonathan Stupar.  That should change in the next few weeks as Stupar settles into the Bills offense.

Stupar has emerged as the starter because of injuries and issues.  Expected starter Shawn Nelson has barely made a preseason impact, and will now be suspended for the first four games of the season.  Derek Schouman is out 3-6 weeks with a knee injury suffered in the Colts game.  So its down to Stupar and Michael Matthews until the Bills sign anyone else.

"Injuries and stuff like that are all a part of the game. We’re just trying to, especially Mike [Matthews] and I, we’re just trying to get in as much as we can and do as much as we can to help the team without getting hurt or anything. With only two tight ends, it kind of limits you a lot. So, we’ll see what happens, but we’re trying our best to fill in the spots where it’s needed," says Stupar.

Stupar says he has talked to Nelson about the four game suspension for violating the NFL's Substance Abuse Program.

"Shawn’s got his own situation that he’s going through right now. I’m trying to be supportive as a teammate with what’s going on, but the NFL’s all about opportunities. I’m going to try to make the best of my opportunity that I have. I’m sure Mike [Matthews] is doing the same thing with Derek [Schouman’s] injury too. It’s one of those things where it happens and you have to put the next foot forward and go from there."

Stupar has started both preseason games, and will likely start the four games that Nelson misses.  He played 14 games with the Bills last year, starting two and catching six passes.

He originally joined the Bills in 2008 on the practice squad.  Now, he'll be counted on to help the offense move the ball.  So you will want to know all about #88.