The Sports Xchange

IK Enemkpali waited only a day for a second chance in the NFL.

The Buffalo Bills claimed the backup linebacker who punched New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith’s jaw in two places with a punch in the locker room Tuesday.

Bills coach Rex Ryan, who doesn’t mind a player willing to mix it up, was with the Jets when Enemkpali was drafted in the sixth round of out Louisiana Tech in 2014.

The Jets placed Enemkpali on waivers Tuesday immediately after the incident, which escalated over $600 Smith owed Enemkpali for being a no-show at Enemkpali’s football camp in Texas.

Enemkpali was suspended for one game at Louisiana Tech for punching an off-duty police officer. He played 40 snaps as a rookie with the Jets, who will run a 3-4 defense. At 6-1, 270, Enemkpali worked primarily at linebacker but can play some defensive end in Ryan’s unique scheme.

Ryan’s reputation as a brawler in his younger years is not a secret. He bragged before the Super Bowl in January that he once broke the nose and ankle of his twin brother, Saints defensive coordinator Rob Ryan, in a fight.

The Ryan Bros. are the sons of Buddy Ryan, who infamously punched Houston Oilers offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride in a sideline altercation in 1994.