The Buffalo Bills are a bit banged up heading into the Week 5 matchup against the New England Patriots.
Buffalo is hoping to keep its undefeated streak alive against a tough divisional opponent in New England. Unfortunately, it's looking like the Bills are going to be a bit short-handed for the matchup. On Thursday, the Bills released their official injury report, and it was yet another day with a new name popping up on the report.
While still plenty of time to right the ship, it gives fans cause for concern heading into an important matchup just days away.
Player |
Injury |
W/T/F |
Designation |
DE Joey Bosa |
Vet Rest |
Limited/Full/NA |
Out |
OL Spencer Brown |
Calf |
Limited/Limited/NA |
|
TE Jackson Hawes |
Ankle |
Limited/Limited/NA |
|
LB Matt Milano |
Pectoral |
Limited/Limited/NA |
|
DT Ed Oliver |
Ankle |
Limited/Limited/NA |
|
DT T.J. Sanders |
Knee |
NA/Limited/NA |
|
CB Dorian Strong |
Neck |
NA/DNP/NA |
|
LB Dorian Williams |
Knee |
DNP/DNP/NA |
The defensive side of the football for Buffalo looks more than a little beat up right now. Rookie defensive tackle T.J. Sanders and fellow rookie and cornerback Dorian Strong both appeared on the injury report, while Strong did not practice. During the victory against the Saints, Strong got some meaningful reps in place of cornerback Tre'Davious White, but his status for Week 5 remains up in the air.
While defensive tackle Ed Oliver and linebacker Matt Milano continue to trend in the right direction, their absence has been felt over the past few weeks. Buffalo's run defense has been gashed, and the team will be thrilled to get them back on the football field. Unfortunately, both potential replacements for Oliver and Milano are on the report, with linebacker Dorian Williams not practicing, and Sanders being limited as he is dealing with a knee injury.
Once again, rookie tight end and rising superstar Jackson Hawes was limited, along with offensive lineman Spencer Brown. Quarterback Josh Allen can't be thrilled that two important pieces might be unavailable to him, though they both appear to be trending in the right direction. Buffalo has one of the best offensive lines in football, paired with some of the best blocking tight ends in the league, so having both Brown and Hawes back truly helps the team unlock their true potential on offense.
Get the bubble wrap out, light your Josh Allen candle, maybe sing the shout song a few times to send some positive vibes and good luck the Bills' way. Friday is the last practice before the game and as is tradition, head coach Sean McDermott will most likely be speaking to WGR 550 in the morning with yet another update on who is in and who is out for the upcoming Week 5 matchup.
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