Brandon Bair spent Weeks 1 and 2 in a jumpsuit, forced to helplessly watch both of his team’s losses from the sideline as a healthy member of the inactive list. But after injuries to starting left defensive end Cedric Thornton (hand) and his backup Taylor Hart (shoulder), the veteran lineman’s number was called against the 2-0 Jets on Sunday.
The 30-year-old’s 6-6, 290-pound frame makes him a load to handle for opposing offensive lines and a burdensome obstruction for quarterbacks looking for a lane through which to throw. Making his first career start against the Jets on Sunday, Bair made four tackles and deflected three passes in a 24-17 win.