Bills Battle Injuries as Playoffs Intensify
The Buffalo Bills’ journey to their first Super Bowl appearance since 1993 faces significant hurdles as they prepare to face the Denver Broncos in the AFC Divisional Round this Saturday. Most notably, star quarterback Josh Allen is managing multiple injuries simultaneously—to his foot, knee, and right finger. Despite these setbacks, Allen demonstrated his resilience against the Jacksonville Jaguars, scoring three times including a crucial rushing touchdown with just over a minute remaining to secure the win. The Bills’ reliance on Allen’s playmaking abilities has never been more evident, as he continues to put the team on his shoulders despite physical limitations. His determination was visible during the practice week, where he progressed from limited participation on Tuesday to full involvement by Wednesday.
The Broncos, boasting one of the NFL’s premier defensive units, are fully aware of the threat Allen poses. In last year’s matchup, Allen threw for 272 yards and two touchdowns against Denver, showcasing his dual-threat capabilities. Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II highlighted their defensive priority: “One thing we need to eliminate is his second-chance opportunities. He thrives off that and finding opportunities even if the play is not there.” Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph echoed this sentiment, noting Allen’s unique combination of size, mobility, and throwing power. “His legs are special, he’s got that size, he can make every single throw… There’s one Josh Allen, and he lives in Buffalo,” Joseph remarked, acknowledging the challenge of preparing for such a distinctive talent who cannot be easily simulated in practice sessions.
Beyond Allen’s injuries, the Bills’ receiving corps has been devastated by recent developments. Wide receiver Tyrell Shavers will miss the remainder of the playoffs after suffering a torn knee ligament, compounding the loss of Gabe Davis to a similar injury. These absences leave Khalil Shakir, Keon Coleman, and Brandin Cooks as the remaining healthy receivers on the team’s official depth chart. The Bills have responded by considering promotions for Mecole Hardman and Stephen Gosnell from the practice squad, while also adding Kristian Wilkerson for additional depth. The injury situation extends beyond just receivers, with tight end Dalton Kincaid (knee/calf), running back Ty Johnson (ankle), and wide receiver Curtis Samuel (elbow) also nursing ailments, with Samuel currently relegated to the reserve/injured list.
The defensive side hasn’t escaped the injury plague either. Terrel Bernard (calf), A.J. Epenesa (neck), Maxwell Hairston (ankle), Damar Hamlin (pectoral), Matt Milano (ankle), Ed Oliver (bicep), Jordan Poyer (hamstring), Greg Rousseau (back), Shaq Thompson (neck), and Matt Prater (right quad/right calf) are all listed on the injury report, creating a challenging scenario for a team with championship aspirations. The sheer volume of injuries—15 players on the initial injury report for the week—has forced head coach Sean McDermott to emphasize a “next man up” mentality. “What we need to focus on is what’s in front of us… and that’s handling the things that we can handle and control,” McDermott stated, acknowledging the stark reality facing his team as they prepare for their playoff matchup.
Despite these obstacles, the Bills maintain their focus on the immediate challenge—defeating the Broncos on Saturday afternoon. The game represents not just a playoff contest but a test of the organization’s depth, resilience, and ability to overcome adversity. Buffalo’s approach exemplifies the harsh realities of playoff football, where injuries accumulate through a grueling season, and championship-caliber teams must find ways to adapt and excel despite diminished resources. As McDermott bluntly put it, the situation is “pretty stone cold what it is and what has to happen here for us,” reflecting the no-excuses culture that permeates successful NFL organizations.
With kickoff scheduled for 4:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, the Bills face a pivotal moment in their season. A victory would move them one step closer to ending their Super Bowl drought, validating their ability to overcome significant personnel challenges. Conversely, a defeat would raise questions about whether the accumulation of injuries ultimately proved too substantial to overcome. Either way, Buffalo’s performance against Denver will serve as a compelling testament to their organizational philosophy, depth, and the extraordinary talents of Josh Allen, who continues to demonstrate why he’s considered one of the NFL’s elite quarterbacks even while battling multiple injuries.
