The Buffalo Bills have released Manny Lawson in a surprise move.

Lawson, 32, was expected to start opposite Jerry Hughes in the Bills' 3-4 defense until first-round pick Shaq Lawson (shoulder surgery) returns from the physically unable to perform list. The earliest Lawson is eligible to return is Week 7.

Lorenzo Alexander will start at outside linebacker instead.

"Lorenzo Alexander has earned the right to be a starter on this team. He won the job. That's why he'll start," Rex Ryan said. "As far as specifics [on Lawson], I'd rather not get into specifics."