The Facts: The Bills claimed Hankerson off waivers Monday from the New England Patriots.
Diehards Line:
Hankerson takes the roster spot of wide receiver and core special teams contributor Marcus Easley, who was placed on injured reserve Monday after dislocating his knee cap and breaking his knee in three places during Sunday's win over the Cowboys. The Patriots waived Hankerson last week after he appeared in one game for the team, playing 10 offensive snaps. New England had claimed the fifth-year receiver off waivers from the Falcons, who had placed Hankerson on injured reserve earlier this month. Hankerson, who dealt with a hamstring injury, caught 26 passes for 327 yards and three touchdowns in eight games this season for the Falcons. Hankerson joins Greg Salas as veteran receivers who have been added to the Bills' depth chart over the last week. With Robert Woods (groin) and Easley on injured reserve, the Bills figure to use a mix of Hankerson, Salas and rookie Dezmin Lewis alongside top wideouts Sammy Watkins and Chris Hogan in Sunday's finale against the New York Jets.