Joe Cribbs, the Buffalo Bills’ premier running...

Joe Cribbs, the Buffalo Bills’ premier running back in the early 1980s, signed a contract to return to the NFL team after a two-year stint with the Birmingham Bulls of the USFL. Cribbs will reportedly get $2 million over four years, plus a $500,000 signing bonus. He also had to buy out the final three years of his contract at Birmingham.

Coach Hank Bullough of the Bills said that Cribbs will not play in Sunday’s game against the New England Patriots because he is not in shape but will be ready the next weekend.

Cribbs, 27, was the Bills’ leading rusher in 1980-83, then left the team in a contract dispute. In four seasons with the Bills, Cribbs carried 960 times for 4,046 yards and 20 touchdowns.