ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — The Buffalo Bills have strengthened their interior run defense by bringing back familiar faces, as they signed tackles Jordan Phillips and Quinton Jefferson on Wednesday.

Jordan Phillips, 32, is joining the Bills for a third time following his recent release from the Dallas Cowboys. He only participated in two games this season before being placed on injured reserve due to a wrist injury. With a decade of NFL experience, Phillips was a significant contributor to the Bills’ run defense during the 2022-23 seasons. Originally drafted in the second round in 2015, his initial tenure with Buffalo spanned from 2018 to 2019 after the team claimed him off waivers.

Quinton Jefferson’s addition follows his release from the Cleveland Browns, where he was a healthy scratch for the last four games, having played in the first five. Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 290 pounds, Jefferson brings nine seasons of experience, including a previous stint with Buffalo in 2020 where he started four games out of 16 played.

The Bills, leading the AFC East with a 7-2 record, are facing challenges in their defensive line as they gear up to face the Indianapolis Colts (4-5) this Sunday. They are currently without rookie tackle DeWayne Carter and edge rusher Dawuane Smoot, both of whom are on injured reserve due to wrist injuries. Carter is expected to be eligible to return by the game against San Francisco on December 1, while Smoot’s absence will extend to at least four games following his IR placement on Tuesday.

The Buffalo defense has struggled to contain the run this year, having allowed over 120 rushing yards in five games, including a staggering 271 yards in a 35-10 defeat to Baltimore in Week 4. In their recent matchup against Miami, the Bills permitted 149 rushing yards despite securing a 30-27 victory.