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Bills Make Moves on 2 Starters Before Massive Lions Matchup

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Colin Miller | Last updated Dec 12, 2024 9:06 PM ET

The Buffalo Bills will look to get back in the win column when they travel to face the Detroit Lions on Sunday.

The Bills have struggled with injuries as the 2024 season has gone on, both on offense and on defense. But, they could potentially get two impactful players back on defense before they face the Lions in a massive matchup.

The Bills opened the 21-day practice windows for linebacker Baylon Spector and defensive tackle Dawuane Smoot, who have both been on injured reserve with calf and wrist injuries, respectively.

While it's unclear if either player will be ready to go after logging just a few days of practice before Sunday, it is still a good sign for both of them to be back on the field with the playoffs quickly approaching.

Spector, who had served a backup role in his first two seasons, was emerging as a strong rotational piece in 2024 with Matt Milano on injured reserve. In nine appearances, Spector has 34 combined tackles and a sack, which are both career-highs.

Meanwhile, Smoot has only appeared in seven games in his first season with the Bills, but was still able to make an impact when he saw the field. Smoot has 12 tackles, three tackles-for-loss and 1.5 sacks so far.

The return of both Spector and Smoot also comes at a good time with how much Buffalo's pass rush has struggled as of late. Last week against the Los Angeles Rams, the Bills did not record a single sack.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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