The Bills head back to the Meadowlands for a Week 2 matchup against the New York Giants in hopes for a fast start to the season. Already, they are without several key players that are nursing injuries. However, these injuries are minor in comparison to teams around the league but still significant enough that this may give the Giants an advantage.
OUT
WR Andre Roberts (quadriceps)
Regrettably, he has already been ruled out for Sunday’s contest. He is still dealing with a quadriceps injury which frankly, is a mystery. To date, there is no known video that shows what happened with Roberts or any details explaining what he did. He played in every preseason game with the exception of the 4th game with no known injuries during that time. He was able to participate in practice on Labor Day and this is likely when he suffered his injury.
There isn’t a ton of injuries that a player can sustain to his quadriceps. There can be strains & contusions and to a lesser extent, tendinitis. Considering the practice consisted of stretches and individual drills, he either suffered a strain trying to slow down or sprinting. He may have also suffered a contusion which wasn’t reported at the time. Either injury that occurs, it’s possible he could be out for 2 weeks and it wouldn’t be unreasonable.
What’s interesting is that he isn’t even out in pads or a red practice jersey; he was observed in sweats during Friday’s practice. That doesn’t bode well for someone trying to return quickly. Something more may be going on than we know right now.
CB Taron Johnson (hamstring)
The undersized cornerback suffered a possible right hamstring strain attempting to keep up with Jets WR Jamison Crowder early in the 3rd quarter during Week 1. He was unable to return and later had an MRI the next day. He has since been ruled out for Sunday which was expected as he hasn’t practiced all week. He was seen with a red practice jersey on Friday which indicated that he is improving but far from ready. Don’t be surprised if he misses 2 games before returning.
QUESTIONABLE
TE Tyler Kroft (foot)
Kroft was limited all week and is questionable to play this weekend. He continues to increase his workload as he works to return to fully playing. Don’t expect him to suit up this Sunday as he hasn’t had 3 full days of practice and his conditioning may not be up to par either. Once he gets through a full week of practice, then he will be likely to play. Expect him in Week 3.
CB Levi Wallace (right ankle)
Wallace threw a scare into the Twitterverse when he went down on a 1-on-1 drill late in practice Thursday. Close up video review showed that he tried to keep close with WR Zay Jones before turning his hips, attempting to pivot on his right foot and fell down. At most, it appeared to be a minor low ankle sprain that didn’t limit him in Friday’s practice. He did have it wrapped up to assist with swelling and pain but appears to be full go. Considering the Giants receiving corps is depleted, Wallace may be able to keep up with them. If he suffers a setback or needs a break, CB Kevin Johnson can step in.
Overall, it’s already known that Johnson & Roberts are out with Kroft also likely not to play this weekend. Despite losing Taron Johnson as a starter, the biggest loss continues to be Roberts in the return game. Considering S Micah Hyde is still returning punts indicates that Roberts is sorely needed. Ideally, injuries continue to be minimal and the Bills escape Week 2 with a win to move to 2-0.
