This is the 2021 Training Camp Preview for the Buffalo Bills Special Teams room. This will outline every known injury from 2020 and outlook heading into 2021.
Returning:
Appeared in 16 games, 3 postseason games.
As durable as they come, Ferguson has not missed a game since making the team in 2017. He also has not appeared on any injury report either which is a testament to his preparation every week. I continue to have no concerns regarding his ability to perform and be available.
Appeared in 16 games, 3 postseason games.
After some early season struggles as he adjusted to the NFL, Bass came through in the clutch, demonstrating why the Bills took him in the 6th round. Outside of a right hand injury from the Colts game that didn’t affect his ability to play, he did not deal with any other injuries in 2020 and besides the risk of a groin/hip, hamstring, or quadriceps injury for which he is not at any more risk than usual, he should be able to perform without concern.
Appeared in 13 games, 3 postseason games.
While he is officially a running back on the roster, 5 offensive snaps all season doesn’t qualify to play the position in my book. Jones continues to make his mark on special teams, showing up each and every week.
Injury wise, he dealt with a right knee injury during the preseason but this did not affect his availability for the regular season. He later suffered a hamstring strain, side not specified, in Week 8 that forced him to miss 2 games, but he had the benefit of the bye week to help him recover.
I can say with virtual certainty that he will get injured this year. If you don’t believe me, go look at his injury history above. I am convinced that Jones is playing until he simply cannot anymore. He is still dangerous on special teams and if he doesn’t stick with the Bills coming out of camp, he will find a home somewhere else.
New to the roster:
Haack comes to the Bills following 4 seasons with the Dolphins. He has no publicly reported injuries and he is reportedly a better holder than Bojorquez, bringing stability to the field goal unit. Outside of a groin or hamstring strain which he has avoided, I have no concerns.
Not returning:
Andre Roberts
Appeared in 15 games, 3 postseason games.
Roberts is listed as a wide receiver and did at times contribute, but his mark was mainly on special teams as it has been most of his career. Injury wise he suffered:
- Ankle injury, Week 4, missed 0 games.
- Achilles injury, Week 14, missed 0 games.
- Low back injury, Week 15, missed 0 games.
It is important to note that he was active for the regular season finale, but did not see any snaps, getting some much deserved rest. Roberts has since signed with the Texans and while I think he could have done more here in Buffalo again, his price tag appears to have been too rich for the front office.
Corey Bojorquez
Appeared in 16 games, 3 postseason games.
He did not suffer any publicly reported injuries, but a lack of consistency and a higher price tag led the Bills to move on from the lefty punter after 3 seasons. He has since signed with the Rams.
2021 Injury Expectations:
There is absolutely no concern from an injury perspective other than a freak accident occurring and Taiwan Jones working through whatever if he gets injured. This has been a healthy and consistent unit for several years and looks to improve with the addition of Haack. Another strong year of special teams production from the specialists and return game could give the Bills the edge in several games to put teams away.
Expectations are high to not only make the AFC Championship game again, but to make the Super Bowl and win the long elusive Lombardi trophy. Currently, the Bills are third favorite to win the Super Bowl at +1100, leading the odds are last year’s finalists Chiefs vs Buccaneers.
Hopefully the Bills can prevent the Chiefs from going for a three-peat in the AFC and I believe the Buccaneers will have a tough time defending their title from last year. This is the year for the Bills to break through, throw some money down, and jump through a table because the Bills are going to the Super Bowl!
Make sure to follow everything here at Banged Up Bills and for more content, check out my deep dives into specific player injuries over at Buffalo Rumblings again this season! Thank you and Go Bills!
