Today’s post will finish up the offensive side of the ball and the offensive line by reviewing the offensive tackle position. This was a position that was beset by injury and will most likely be overhauled for next season. 3 out of the 5 players at the position dealt with some type of significant medical issues which limited their abilities and will force the front office to make some changes. There were a total of 5 players that suited up for the Bills at the tackle position.
Starting off is T Cordy Glenn who made himself at home on the injury report with foot/ankle issues. He was shut down for the season after Week 9. A detailed analysis of my thoughts on his injuries can be found here. The extended time off with surgery may finally allow him to get healthy. Thankfully, the Bills do not have to worry about his health going forward as they have recently moved him and the 21st pick to Cincinnati for the 12th pick. They also reportedly swapped 5th and 6th rd picks during this trade. This is a fantastic trade that allows the Bills to move questionable pieces and obtain the draft capital to get the quarterback and other impact players they need to build for the future!
T Dion Dawkins came in as a rookie 2nd round pick and exceeded expectations filling in for Cordy Glenn, appearing to demonstrate the long term ability to protect the quarterback and make Glenn expendable if the price is right. Dawkins saw no time on the injury report and was able to stay quite healthy this season. He will be a mainstay on the line for years as long as he performs how he did this year.
4th year pro Seantrel Henderson saw minimal time on the field and minimal time on the the injury report. Henderson was on the injury report twice with back pain causing him to miss the Indianapolis Colts game late in the season. He only saw time in 8 games with very little time on the field. With his previously mentioned back complaints this season along with his use of marijuana for his Chron’s disease make him an easy decision to not bring back. As he is a UFA, the Bills elected not to offer him a new contract and Henderson has since left, signing a one year prove it deal with the Houston Texans for hopefully a fresh start.
T Connor McDermott stayed on the roster this season despite seeing action in only 3 games with most of his play involving special teams. In addition to minimal time, McDermott suffered a chest injury during practice which forced him to miss the first Patriots game. As he is a minimal cost to the team and has some value on special teams, expect him to return next year as a depth player with the ability to grow as he is only a rookie.
The last tackle that suited up for the Bills this season is T Jordan Mills. The 5th year pro saw significant action in every game this season at the right tackle position due to T Dion Dawkins moving to the left side to fill in for Glenn. While Mills play was suspect at times, he was still durable at the position, only suffering an ankle injury in the regular season finale which did not cause him to miss the Jaguars game. Looking at the salary cap, Mills comes pretty cheap for $1.5 million and with one year left on his contract, is more beneficial to keep than to cut loose.
Expect many changes following this season. The Bills have T De’Ondre Wesley and T Josh James on futures contracts who may factor in next season with the expected turnover. Add in the recent signing of T Mitchell Newhouse and the Bills have some options at this position. This wraps up the 2017 Buffalo Bills offense injury review. Continue to check back for the defensive injury review and many other articles both with Banged Up Bills. As always, thank you for reading and GO BILLS!!
