Just start calling the Buffalo Bills “Rawhide”! Rollin’, Rollin’, Rollin’, Rawhide!!! That’s all they seem to do over these past few weeks, Rollin’ over anyone that is in their way, hanging 142 points over the last 3 games on their way to 13-3. This was really a point of emphasis with a 56-26 win over the Miami Dolphins Sunday.
This is simply incredible football that we are watching and it sure is fun! I always had this prevailing thought that they would be good again, but it’s here now and it’s really exciting. To see what this team has done not observed in 30 years and they continue to improve is scary.
On top of that, they enter the postseason with very few injuries after dealing with many around midseason. In fact, they’ve only lost one starter in Cody Ford to a season-ending injury and have weathered many others with their incredible depth. Below are the injuries from Sunday, though it is important to note that the team only reported one injury for the entire day.
CB Taron Johnson (right shoulder)
Johnson appeared to injure his right shoulder while trying to tackle Durham Smythe early in the game and unfortunately hit Matt Milano’s upper right thigh. He was down briefly while trainers assessed him before coming off for part of the first quarter.
Johnson briefly went to the medical tent to be examined before later returning. The fact that he returned to the game rather quickly indicates that there isn’t much going on other than recovering from a hard hit. He certainly could have had his neck jarred or had the wind knocked out of him, but there doesn’t appear to be any long term concerns for Saturday.
LB Matt Milano (upper right thigh)
Milano got hit on the upper right thigh area tackling Durham Smythe before fellow teammate Taron Johnson hit him with his right shoulder. Milano was walking gingerly briefly before returning for the next play.
He didn’t miss time, he will probably be sore, but there doesn’t appear to be anything limiting him for the playoff game. Just a hard hit that’s part of football.
G Jon Feliciano (left knee)
Feliciano briefly limped around early in the 2nd quarter following a routine running play in the red zone. He continued his block as Zack Moss passed him and as the play began to end, a Dolphins defender rolled into the outside portion of his left leg, knocking him over.
He did not miss any snaps for the remainder of the drive which resulted in the Bills first touchdown of the day. Like all the other injuries, this doesn’t appear to be much of anything to be concerned about for Saturday.
S Siran Neal (concussion check)
Neal briefly left the game following a knee to the head while trying to tackle DeVante Parker late in the 3rd quarter. The team assessed him for a concussion due to the hit by using his head to take out Parker’s left leg and initially requiring the training staff to meet him on the field. Fortunately, he returned 5 minutes later and resumed playing without missing a beat.
The only other concern was when Stefon Diggs got hit from behind after he had already slid down midway through the 2nd quarter. Christian Wilkins came in late and hit Diggs on the back of the head, momentarily causing concern for a concussion. Thankfully, Diggs popped right back up and was also able to draw an unnecessary roughness call on Wilkins to continue the drive.
The Bills did sit some starters and played others through the half which fortunately did not cause any injuries. This also allowed them to keep focused and in their routine for the playoffs.
Overall, this injury report should look pretty clean heading into Saturday’s matchup against the Colts. I expect Cole Beasley and Reggie Gilliam to be on the report with their respective injuries with a close eye on Beasley’s participation availability. Slight chance that Johnson and Feliciano make an appearance, but I don’t see their injuries being significant. Of course, there’s always surprises too.
It’s the playoffs, Beasley has a chance to play. His practice participation will likely dictate whether he does. The team has indicated that Isaiah McKenzie can fill in for Beasley in the slot which may allow Beasley to get another week off which would be beneficial if it is indeed a meniscal tear of quadricep strain as I had speculated before.
This will be a short week practice wise and much more will be known by Thursday. Enjoy the week Bills Mafia, this is what we’ve dreamed of for years.
Top Photo Credit: Vincent Carchietta/BillsWire-USA Today
