Sean McDermott sheds light on Bills superstar’s Week 2 status while sending an important message to the next man in line
The Bills will be shorthanded against the Jets.
The Buffalo Bills are going to be without one of their key players for the Week 2 matchup against the New York Jets. In a surprise development, defensive tackle Ed Oliver appeared on the injury report on Thursday while dealing with an ankle injury.
He could be seen in a walking boot on his left leg and used a scooter to get around. Oliver did not practice on Thursday, and there was already concern he would miss the matchup.
Head coach Sean McDermott, while speaking on WGR550 ahead of practice, officially ruled Oliver out of the contest. A defensive difference-maker will be sidelined after a dominant Week 1 performance against the Baltimore Ravens.
Next man up for the Bills in Oliver’s absence
Buffalo has a few options in Oliver’s absence, with the main backup being rookie T.J. Sanders. It’s not only Sanders, though, as the Bills will most likely call up a player or two from the practice squad to give them some more depth at the interior of the defensive line.
Luckily, Buffalo already has a handful of options, with a recent addition just brought on that could see action quickly due to Oliver’s injury.
McDermott had a message for Sanders, who could see increased opportunities in the matchup.
“There’s a lot there, some good and some that we can improve on,” McDermott said. “I think the biggest thing for him and for all of our young players is learning what it takes to play at this varsity level. It’s different than even when you play in the SEC [. . .] it’s different, and it hits you fast. I think more than anything is the preparation, both off the field and on the field, and the level of preparation it takes at a high level when your competition is so tough. Down in and down out, and also game in and game out.”
Ed Oliver in Week 1 vs. Ravens
While the defense was gashed for 40 points, they made a stand when it mattered, and Oliver was one of the biggest contributors in the win against Baltimore. It was one of his best games as a professional, and he finished the contest with six tackles, one sack, two QB pressures, a forced fumble, and five stops.
According to NFL.com, Oliver was tied for third-most among defensive tackles. According to Pro Football Focus, his play earned him the No. 1 spot among interior defenders.
His forced fumble helped turn the tide for Buffalo in the contest, and his impact will surely be missed.
The Buffalo Bills could use the practice squad to bolster the defense
On the practice squad, veteran Jordan Phillips could slot in for some depth, or even Zion Logue. Sanders, a second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, will have some big shoes to fill in Oliver’s absence.
However, they still will need to call up a guy or two. If it’s not Phillips or Logue, it could be recently acquired defensive tackle Phidarian Mathis.
Mathis was signed early in the week, ahead of Oliver’s injury. The former top-50 pick by the Washington Commanders in 2022 spent training camp with the New York Jets in the summer before being picked up by the Bills.
It may be too soon for Mathis to have his number called up, but never say never. Much like sixth-round rookie Dorian Strong saw his number called up against the Ravens to play an increased role, the same could be done with Sanders heading into the matchup.
Regardless of who is in the interior, stopping the run will be the name of the game.
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