In this article, we will take a comprehensive look at the Bills' injury report, including the status of all injured players and their expected return dates. We will also provide analysis of how the Bills' injuries have impacted the team on the field and what to expect going forward.
Josh Allen is the most important player on the Bills' roster, so his injury status is always a top priority for fans and media alike. Allen suffered a right shoulder injury in Week 4 against the Baltimore Ravens, and he missed the following week's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Allen returned to the lineup in Week 6, but he has been playing with a brace on his shoulder ever since.
Allen's shoulder injury has not seemed to limit him too much on the field. He has thrown for 1,715 yards and 14 touchdowns in the four games since returning from injury. However, it is worth noting that Allen's shoulder injury could become more of a factor as the season progresses, especially if the Bills make a deep playoff run.
Dawson Knox is another key player on the Bills' offense, and his injury has been a major blow to the team. Knox suffered a wrist injury in Week 3 against the Miami Dolphins, and he has missed every game since then. Knox is expected to return to the lineup in Week 8 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Knox's absence has been felt in the Bills' passing game. Knox is one of Allen's favorite targets, and he is also a valuable blocker in the run game. The Bills will be happy to have Knox back in the lineup, especially as they prepare to face some of the league's top defenses in the second half of the season.
Ed Oliver is one of the best defensive tackles in the NFL, and his injury has been a major blow to the Bills' defense. Oliver suffered a toe injury in Week 4 against the Baltimore Ravens, and he has missed every game since then. Oliver is expected to return to the lineup in Week 8 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Oliver's absence has been felt in the Bills' run defense. The Bills have allowed 12 rushing touchdowns in the four games without Oliver, which is the most in the NFL over that span. The Bills will be happy to have Oliver back in the lineup, especially as they prepare to face some of the league's top running backs in the second half of the season.
Baylon Spector is a backup linebacker for the Bills, but he has played a significant role on defense this season due to injuries. Spector suffered a hamstring injury in Week 6 against the Kansas City Chiefs, and he has missed every game since then. Spector is expected to return to the lineup in Week 8 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Spector's absence has been felt in the Bills' defense. The Bills have allowed 10 passing touchdowns in the three games without Spector, which is the most in the NFL over that span. The Bills will be happy to have Spector back in the lineup, especially as they prepare to face some of the league's top quarterbacks in the second half of the season.
Terrel Bernard is a backup cornerback for the Bills, but he has played a significant role on defense this season due to injuries. Bernard suffered a knee injury in Week 7 against the Green Bay Packers, and he is expected to miss the remainder of the season.
Bernard's absence is a blow to the Bills' depth at cornerback. The Bills have already lost cornerback Tre'Davious White to a season-ending ACL injury, so they are now relying on a mix of veterans and rookies at the position. The Bills will need to get healthy at cornerback if they want to make a deep playoff run.
The Bills have been relatively healthy in 2023, but they have still had some key injuries. The injuries to Josh Allen, Dawson Knox, and Ed Oliver have all been significant, but the Bills have been able to overcome them so far.
Allen's shoulder injury has not seemed to limit him too much, but it is something to monitor as the season progresses. Knox's absence has hurt the Bills' passing game, but they have been able to get by with other players stepping up. Oliver's absence has hurt the Bills' run defense, but they have still been able to be effective against the run overall.
The Bills are fortunate to have a deep roster, which has allowed them to overcome their injuries. However, they will need to be careful not to overwork their players, especially as the season progresses.
The Bills are still one of the best teams in the AFC, even with their injuries. They have a strong offense led by Allen and a defense that is still capable of being elite.
The Bills will need to get healthy at cornerback if they want to make a deep playoff run. However, if Allen, Knox, and Oliver can stay healthy, the Bills should be a contender for the AFC title.