Bills’ Sean McDermott quickly rules out multiple players for the divisional round vs. Broncos but gives fans a glimmer of hope
So, you’re saying there’s a chance? The latest update from head coach Sean McDermott is a mixed bag.
Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott spoke to the media on Thursday ahead of practice, ruling out several players ahead of the divisional round playoff matchup against the Denver Broncos.
Safety Jordan Poyer (hamstring) and cornerback Maxwell Hairston (ankle) are officially out. Poyer has been playing exceptionally well since joining the club, and is a big reason for the ascension of safety Cole Bishop. The veteran safety was brought back to Buffalo this season, and, unfortunately, he’s out.
Hairston suffered an injury in the win against the New York Jets and has been unable to see even the practice field since. His injury is frustrating just because of how late he was playing in the win, with fans claiming that he shouldn’t have been out on the field for that long.
Buffalo could be getting some key reinforcements back vs. Denver
It’s perhaps what McDermott didn’t say that’s giving fans a glimmer of hope for the upcoming contest. He didn’t mention anything about defensive tackle Ed Oliver or wide receiver Curtis Samuel, which could mean that we see both of them on the field on Saturday. Oliver tore his biceps and then suffered a setback with a knee injury. He’s been unavailable for the team since Week 8.
It’s been an injury-riddled season for Oliver, who suffered an ankle injury during practice after the Week 1 win over the Baltimore Ravens. That kept him out of the games until the Bills’ Week 6 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. Then, during the Week 8 win against the Carolina Panthers, that’s where Oliver suffered the biceps injury. There was a glimmer of hope when it was announced he would be back for the first round of the playoffs, but that didn’t come to fruition.
The talented defensive tackle has been a one-man wrecking crew for Buffalo when he’s on the field, and getting him back would be a huge boost for the defense.
Josh Allen could be getting back a key weapon at the perfect time
Samuel returned to practice for the first time since Week 11 after missing the last eight games. He’s been a full participant in practice in back-to-back days, giving fans reason to believe that he will be available on Saturday against the Broncos.
It couldn’t have come at a better time, as the team recently lost three receivers in the span of less than a week, with Josh Palmer, Gabe Davis, and Tyrell Shavers all suffering season-ending injuries.
The veteran receiver has left much to be desired with his play, especially considering how much money it took to bring him in to Buffalo. Much like last season, where Samuel didn’t make too much noise in the regular season, Buffalo is hoping to get some postseason magic out of the veteran.
Buffalo has taken its fair share of punches throughout the season when it comes to injuries, and losing Poyer and Hairston only adds to that growing list. But if the Bills are going to make a deep postseason run, they’ll need impact players to return at the most critical moments. Potentially getting Oliver back would stabilize a defense that’s been stretched thin, and having Samuel available gives Allen at least one more experienced option in an already depleted receiver room.
The margin for error is razor-thin in January. Saturday in Denver will likely come down to who can overcome adversity the best. Whether Buffalo’s potential reinforcements can turn quiet optimism into a real difference on the field will be determined ahead of kickoff.
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