After a back and forth game that saw the Buffalo Bills build momentum after an ugly first half, they ultimately came back from a 17-3 deficit to win the home opener 34-28!
The Bills won the nail-biter despite several injuries to key players that could have derailed their chances to win. However, the defense held tough during the final drive to preserve the win and move to 1-0.
Read below for all the injuries following the win and analysis as the Bills turn around quickly to play the Miami Dolphins in Week 2.
In-Game Injuries
CB Taron Johnson (Right Forearm)
Johnson exited the game very early in the first quarter with 11:08 left after a tackle on WR Greg Dortcht that was ultimately converted for a first down. Trainers assessed Johnson’s forearm/hand on the sidelines as he tested his grip strength.
The broadcast noted that trainers were trying to put a brace on the area before he left for the locker room, unable to return and ruled out at halftime.
The muscles potentially injured in question could be the flexor carpi radialis or even flexor carpi ulnaris, both of which connect at the elbow and control grip strength. Considering he was also motioning to his elbow, this is where the muscles connect at. If he had the wrist flexed or even grasping on the jersey as he was thrown off could have stretched the contracting muscles, leading to the strain.
The fact that he stayed on the sidelines for a while and tried to have a brace fitted suggests the injury is more short term than long term. He could have had the area taped up with a club to limit wrist motion and return to play but that may have hurt him more than helped him if he returned.
My guess is that he had difficulty flexing the wrist and gripping things as inflammation set in. The training staff likely made the decision to shut him down for concern of injuring the area worse returning to play.
I know Taylor Rapp did go in for the tackle as well but it looked as though he continued to go low as Johnson’s forearm stayed high, possibly missing him. Considering he wasn’t immediately brought to the locker room, he may have avoided a collision that led to a fracture.
There were no real updates after the game which means the practice reports and availability will be key to determine his chances for Thursday. We need a little more information before making any definitive conclusions.
RB Ty Johnson (Knee)
Johnson briefly left the game with 4:08 left in the third quarter with a knee injury and was initially questionable to return. However, his absence was short-lived as he returned with 10:51 in the fourth quarter.
Looking at the replay, it’s not clear how he injured the knee, it looks as though he hit the left knee in the pile. He may have needed some time off to get his knee looked at but the injury appeared to be minor enough that he was able to return. There were not any reports of needing x-rays after the game and more information will be required including practice participation on the short week.
QB Josh Allen (Left Hand)
Putting the team on his back, Allen hurdled into the end zone to put the Bills up 31-20 midway through the fourth quarter.
During his celebration, you can briefly see him check out his left hand before he heads to the sidelines for the training staff to look at his left hand. He ended up getting the hand taped up and was intermittently keeping his hand loose on the sidelines even though he didn’t miss a snap.
Looking at the replay below, Allen cradled the football as he fell with his left hand getting crunched by his right elbow as he hit the ground. There is a strong suspicion for a contusion of the dorsum of the hand, or top of the hand, given how he hit trying to protect the football which leads to a lot of soft tissue swelling. Keeping the hand taped up allows him to maintain some range of motion in the hand for handoffs.
After the game, he didn’t have a wrap on the hand but stated that he would have to go for x-rays.
Hoping for a likely contusion but slight concern for fracture, the biggest concern is his ability to grip the football during handoffs and runs especially on the short week but this is an injury that he will likely try to play through.
Final Thoughts
Week 1 is always crazy around the league and this game was no exception. The injury report isn’t too bad all things considered with more information needed for Taron Johnson. A muscle strain could keep him out for a bit but he would have the benefit of the mini-bye. Even if somehow it was a radial fracture or some other area, this would keep him out longer but wouldn’t be a season-ending injury.
Make sure to check back soon for the latest updates and news out of One Bills Drive as the Bills head down south to play the Miami Dolphins on Thursday night.
Top Photo Credit: WGRZ
