Another safety's return could jump-start Bills' Super Bowl chances

In a preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts on Saturday, safety Micah Hyde played for the first time since suffering a neck injury in Week 2 last season. His return to the starting lineup this season could be a key factor for whether the Bills make their first Super Bowl appearance in 30 years.  

Against the Colts, Hyde only had one solo tackle, but getting a few reps was important for his recovery and mental health.

"I felt so good to be back out there, running around, making plays, tackling," Hyde said, per Buffalo News reporter Ryan O'Halloran.

Before 2022, Hyde had missed only nine games in nine years with the Bills and Green Bay Packers. In 2017, he was a Pro Bowler for the Bills and a second-team All-Pro. Last October, he had surgery to repair a herniated disc. He has been recovering and gearing for the Sept. 11 opener against the New York Jets ever since.

Per pix11.com, Hyde said the Bills "ran out of gas" a season ago.  He and other Bills are preparing to keep up their physical fitness while also preparing mentally for what is thrown at them.

In practice Friday, Hyde almost came up with an interception on a Josh Allen pass on a deep ball to Stefon Diggs — a confidence booster for the 10-year veteran defensive back.

"I feel 100% healthy," Hyde said. "I'm just trying to stack days and continue to prepare myself. Getting back to where I was is all I could ask for."  

Hyde could lead one of the league's stronger defensive backfields. Fellow safety Jordan Poyer re-signed with the Bills this past offseason. A season ago, he was a Pro Bowler. The return of safety Damar Hamlin — who collapsed after making a tackle late last season and did not play again — should also turbo-charge the defense.

Against the Colts, the secondary performed well. Cornerback Dane Jackson intercepted a pass by rookie Anthony Richardson, leading to the first score by the Bills. They'll need more strong play collectively in the regular-season opener against the Jets and Aaron Rodgers.