First-round pick Shaq Lawson finally debuts for Buffalo Bills

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- Rookie outside linebacker Shaq Lawson made his long-awaited NFL debut for the Buffalo Bills on Sunday.

Lawson, who underwent offseason shoulder surgery and began the year on the physically unable to perform list, was activated prior to the game at the Miami Dolphins.

The former Clemson standout played 14 snaps, mostly in third-down situations, and came up with one tackle.

"It was great to be out there," Lawson said. "It's been a long time since I've played a game."

The Bills selected Lawson with the 19th pick in the first round, and he is being counted on to add to the pass rush. Buffalo lost defensive end Mario Williams to the Dolphins in free agency in the offseason.

The 6-foot-3, 260-pound Lawson nearly recorded his first NFL sack on the final play of the first half. He chased down quarterback Ryan Tannehill, but Tannehill managed to gain a yard on the scramble.

"I thought I had him," Lawson said. "It's going to come. Just be patient. I was kind of anxious at first, so I just had to settle down. I was just trying to stay focused and stay calm."

Bills coach Rex Ryan said the plan was to gradually work in Lawson, and that will continue next week against the visiting New England Patriots.

"That was really it -- let him get his feet wet," Ryan said. "I really couldn't tell you how he played."