Tom Brady has to retire soon right? He’s now 32-3 against the Bills despite many, many close losses by the Bills over that timeframe. I want to be mad, but Tom Brady has to retire soon right? I can’t even be that mad because the Bills already locked up a playoff spot which gave this game little to no meaning with an AFC East title possible, but unlikely. Plus, there have been 7 instances since 1970 where a team sweeps a division rival in the regular season & loses in the playoffs.
Thought about the #Bills losing to the #Patriots both times during the regular season. There is a precedent for a team to lose both times in the regular season & win in the playoffs. Happened 7 times since 1970, let's make it 8!https://t.co/lh55Z7GmOG
— Banged Up Bills (@BangedUpBills) December 22, 2019
Why not make it 8 if we get them in the divisional round or AFC Championships? Anyway, the Bills came out of the Patriots loss again with minimal injuries. Check them out below.
DE Shaq Lawson (left hamstring)
Lawson suffered what appears to be a minor hamstring strain at the beginning of the 4th quarter on a tackle for loss in the backfield. He came up ready to celebrate and immediately grabbed at his left hamstring, limping slightly around the field. However, he continued to play & maintain his regular rotation on the line, not immediately appearing limited.
The tackle itself didn’t appear concerning, which is why I didn’t feel that he suffered any injury upon the initial replay. On later drives, I was able to see that he occasionally motioned to the left side, but not really favoring the side too much. Sad to say, his celebration may have caused the strain.
The team has been incredibly conservative with hamstrings, but considering that he continued to play through the injury, it may not be a concern. I believe that the injury is hurting him more after playing in where the muscle has tightened up due to the injury from inflammation rather than during the game in where he was able to stay loose. The Bills only have 4 defensive ends on the roster & I expect that he continues to play unless he is dealing with a moderate strain. I believe he may be limited somewhat in practice this week but this will be a non-issue by Sunday.
C Mitch Morse (right ankle)
Morse suffered a right ankle injury as the result of Patriots DE John Simon falling on the back of his ankle, forcing it to twist out with a few minutes left in the 4th quarter. He came up hobbling, appearing to try to shake out the ankle before completing one more play in where Josh Allen converted the 4th & 1. Morse was evaluated by trainers on the field & required some assistance to walk off. He did not return & his absence was noticeable as the Bills drove down the field to attempt to tie the game.
His injury appears to be a routine low ankle sprain which really isn’t all that concerning. I am sure he is hurting but it was later reported that if the Bills had another drive, he probably would have been able to come back according to The Athletic’s Matthew Fairburn.
Haven’t been able to look at video yet, but excellent indicator of injury. Still may be best to rest starters next week. https://t.co/6UX7VPTciS
— Banged Up Bills (@BangedUpBills) December 22, 2019
Considering the Bills do have some depth on the line, I could see a scenario where Morse is active but does not play. This isn’t implying that he won’t be healthy enough, but I believe he would be an emergency option in case G Jon Feliciano or even G Spencer Long go down if they play in his place.
WR Andre Roberts (unspecified)
Ty Nsekhe (ankle), Mitch Morse (ankle), Shaq Lawson and Andre Roberts (unspecified) are working through injuries this week per Bills coach Sean McDermott
— Marcel Louis-Jacques (@Marcel_LJ) December 23, 2019
I wait until the Monday afternoon press conferences for reports such as these. More often than not, there are these injuries that aren’t apparent during the game & then they appear on the injury report. Reviewing the game film, Roberts was involved in 13 offensive snaps & 8 special teams plays. From my viewpoint, he stayed pretty clean during the game. There were a few instances where he got hit or bumped from behind, ankles got clipped on a return, but no glaring instance where he came up limping, appeared limited, or took a shot.
It’s interesting that they note that the injury is unspecified. I wonder if it’s gamesmanship on the Bills part here. Even though they are playing a meaningless game against the Jets, they still need to safeguard the players for the playoffs & limit information coming out. To delay even a few days what Roberts could be dealing with could be a competitive advantage. They will eventually have to reveal it on the injury report, but my guess is he’s dealing with some type of strain or contusion, leaning more towards strain in the lower body.
I suspect this because he’s unspecified, his moneymaker is his legs & on special teams, and the injury isn’t obvious. My immediate guess is a calf or hamstring strain. To note, Roberts did deal with a quadriceps injury that kept him out of the 1st two games this season, but it’s unlikely that these are related.
It’s simply too soon to tell whether he will suit up Sunday or if he will be a person that gets some much-needed rest.
Other Notes:
DT Corey Liguet played after being ruled questionable for the 2nd straight week with a knee injury. I still don’t have specifics & likely won’t for some time. He did not appear to be limited, playing in 29% of the snaps, which has been on par for him the past few games. His knee continues to be something to note, but until more information is available, then speculation is all we have.
I do not recall a time when the Bills had a meaningless game to play. This is fantastic to note that there are games still to play but the Bills do not have to rely on the outcomes of games to secure their fate. I expect that the team treats this as a pre-season game in that the starters will get some playing time, but will quickly be pulled where able. I know that the team only suits up 46 for game day, but any backups should be playing considerable time to give the starters a rest & prevent injury.
I did want to note a retweet that I received from a follower, Ned Hunt, the other day stating that the Bills have used the least amount of personnel this season, indicating their health. It’s great to see that they can keep their core players healthy & not have to continuously bring in new guys who have to learn a new system.
Most players used, 2019: Dolphins (83), Redskins (73), Jets (72), Raiders (71), Eagles (70). Fewest: Bills (57).
— Joe Schad (@schadjoe) December 23, 2019
One more regular-season game to play. The Bills just have to get through this game against the Jets & then begin preparing for a likely matchup against the Texans. Here’s to hoping that the Bills escape yet another game with minimal to no injury before the playoffs.
Top Photo Credit:
Yardbarker.com
