The Buffalo Bills are preparing for their AFC Divisional Round matchup against the Denver Broncos after a narrow 27-24 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars in the Wild Card round. Head coach Sean McDermott shared early updates on several key injuries affecting the roster.
Wide receiver Gabe Davis will miss the remainder of the postseason due to a torn left ACL, according to McDermott. The injury is to the same knee that sidelined Davis for much of the previous two seasons. This year, Davis appeared in seven games, recording 14 receptions for 143 yards and one touchdown.
With Joshua Palmer already on injured reserve prior to last week’s game, Buffalo has four receivers available: Khalil Shakir, Brandin Cooks, Keon Coleman, and Tyrell Shavers. Shavers sustained a knee injury during Sunday’s contest but was cleared to return. “We’ll see where it goes from here, still evaluating his situation,” McDermott said.
Defensive tackle Ed Oliver (biceps) and wide receiver Curtis Samuel will have their 21-day practice windows opened this week as they work toward returning from injured reserve. Both players are expected at practice but their status for Saturday’s game remains uncertain. Oliver has been out since Week 9 following a torn bicep and meniscus procedure. Samuel has played six games this season with seven catches for 81 yards and one touchdown; he was placed on IR on November 28.
Safety Jordan Poyer has been ruled out for Saturday’s game in Denver because of a hamstring injury. “He’s week to week,” McDermott said.
Other players continue making progress after recent injuries. Tight end Dalton Kincaid wore a walking boot after facing Jacksonville as a precautionary measure. “He should be fine this week,” McDermott said of Kincaid’s availability.
Linebacker Terrel Bernard (calf), cornerback Maxwell Hairston (ankle), and running back Ty Johnson (ankle) are all showing improvement after missing last week’s game. Kicker Matt Prater is also recovering well after previously injuring his right quad; he successfully made both field goal attempts and all extra points against Jacksonville.
Quarterback Josh Allen is reportedly “sore” following Sunday’s win but no new issues were reported Monday.
