The atmosphere at One Bills Drive is starting to resemble more of a hospital ward than a football team these days. Coach McDermott’s recent update read like a roll call in a long-term rehabilitation center as he announced that the Bills will be sitting out all starters in the upcoming game due to the overwhelming number of injuries plaguing the team.
In a press conference on Monday, McDermott revealed, “There were never plans to play quarterback Josh Allen.” He also mentioned that all the injured players will participate in practice this week but in a limited capacity. They will be involved in walk-throughs and individual drills, but team drills are off the table for now.
The Bills are keeping their fingers crossed for Toohill’s return to practice later in the week, while the status of the other injured players remains uncertain. McDermott mentioned that Keys has been released from the team.
Damar Hamlin’s hope of reclaiming a starting spot at safety took a hit when he was listed as week to week with a hamstring injury sustained during joint practice with the Steelers. Spector and Samuel are also battling injuries, with their availability for the season opener up in the air.
Matt Milano is facing months on the sidelines with a torn biceps, an injury that occurred during a practice drill. The Bills are strategizing on when to move him to the injured reserve list, with the likely timing being the first official day of the 2024 season.
The most recent blow came during the Bills’ preseason win over the Steelers, with Mitch Trubisky injuring his knee and expected to be out for “multiple weeks.” MVS also suffered a neck sprain in the same game, adding to the team’s growing injury concerns.
Despite the mounting challenges on the injury front, the Bills are keeping a positive outlook and hoping for quick recoveries for their sidelined players. The upcoming weeks will be crucial as they prepare for the start of the season, with the team’s depth being put to the test early on.