Buffalo Bills Injury Primer: Week 9

The Buffalo Bills are 5-2 and heading back down south with some key injuries. Luckily, they are matched up against a naughty man, Urban Meyer, and his wearisome Jaguars. Currently, injuries are affecting the Bills OL and receiving corps. Luckily, outside of Spencer Brown, the long-term outlook is bright for all the wounded.

The Jaguars’ health is formidable entering this matchup. Unfortunately, they enter with three key players already on the IR, including RB Travis Etienne, WR DJ Chark, and C Brandon Linder. Arguably their most productive player, RB James Robinson will be a game time decision with a heel injury. He missed most of practice this week, but returned on Friday for a limited participation.

OUT

TE Dawson Knox

Dawson fractured his ‘hand’ two weeks ago. He underwent surgery after the game and has been absent from practice the past two weeks. Based on information gathered, he likely broke two metacarpals in the middle of his hand. This is usually a two to four-week recovery, which projects Dawson to return to the Buffalo Bills lineup next week vs the Jets.

OT Spencer Brown

After starting the last three games prior to the bye week, Spencer popped up on the injury report with a ‘back’ injury during the lead up to the Dolphins game. It has since been reported that he injured his back during a workout at some point during the team’s week off. He has not participated in any practices the past two weeks. 

Spencer has an extensive injury history with his knees, but the back condition is a new ailment. I am very worried he has a herniated disc, and at this juncture, I am concerned he will require surgery. The Bills will likely decide this weekend or next which way this will go.

OG Jon Feliciano

Mongo left the Dolphins game late, after playing 95% of the snaps. He appears to strain his right ‘calf’ while pass blocking, but was able to jog it out after the injury. This means he likely had a mild calf strain, which will require one to three weeks to recover. He was DNP this entire week, which leaves him around 50/50 for next week.

QUESTIONABLE

WR Cole Beasley

Beasley was very effective for the Buffalo Bills last week against the Dolphins, but did exit briefly. He took at least two shots to the torso in the second half, with the latter requiring him to miss a few plays. He is being listed with ‘ribs’ and they are likely bruised. Although painful, Cole will likely be able to play this weekend, and I expect him to. He was a DNP for two days, but practiced in a limited fashion on Friday. 

Prediction: Active

S Jordan Poyer

Poyer was a surprise DNP on Thursday with a ‘shoulder’ injury. McDermott stated that he ‘bumped’ it at practice on Wednesday. Jordan was able to practice Friday in a limited fashion. This has all the makings for a mild AC joint sprain. This is very common and although it might be sore due to being injured on Wednesday, I expect Jodan to play Sunday.

Prediction: Active

ALSO LISTED

DT Justin Zimmer

Zimmer has been listed with a ‘foot’ injury dating back to last week. He was a full participant in practice this week, and he will be active. There is no news on his injury, which was likely a minor sprain or contusion.