Buffalo Bills Injury Report: Week 5 vs LA Rams
The Buffalo Bills Injury Report heads to the West Coast for Week 5 as the 3-1 Bills take on the 2-2 Los Angeles Rams under the Monday Night Football lights at SoFi Stadium. Buffalo was humbled last week and picked up a handful of injuries along the way, while the Rams appear to be surging and getting healthier at the right time. Out in LA, football might have to compete with a sunset hike and a green juice, but back in Buffalo, you can bet the entire city will be glued to the TV for primetime. Time to see who’s banged up, who’s bouncing back, and which thighs need the most attention.
The Bills will head to Los Angeles without two players, as DT Ed Oliver and WR Joshua Palmer have been ruled OUT for Monday night. With Palmer sidelined, Bills fans will get to see the debut of rookie WR Skyler Bell. Three others are listed as Questionable: WR DJ Moore, DL Landon Jackson, and nickel corner Dee Alford. Losing Oliver is a significant blow to the defensive front, while Moore’s status will be worth watching on the offensive side. Alford’s availability could also be important against a Rams offense that has been finding its stride. Buffalo has some work to do on the injury front before taking the field at SoFi.
The Rams are coming into Monday night in much better shape on the injury front, with just one player listed as Questionable: safety Quentin Lake. However, there is one major name missing from the picture. DE/OLB Myles Garrett remains on Injured Reserve, leaving a significant hole in the pass rush. The Rams may be getting healthier overall, but without one of their biggest defensive weapons, Buffalo could have an opportunity to take advantage up front.
Josh Allen, QB
Allen isn’t listed on the Buffalo Bills Injury Report and continues to deny any issues. Still, there’s enough smoke surrounding a potential collection of injuries to take a closer look. Let’s rewind through the last three games, because there have been some interesting developments.
Week 2 vs. Lions: The Goal Line Collision
Allen opened the season with 20 carries for 92 yards and four touchdowns through the first two games. But late in the Lions game, he took a brutal hit at the goal line while scoring his second touchdown. At the time, there wasn’t much to make of it. Looking back, though, it may have been the start of something worth monitoring.
Week 3 vs. Chargers: The Left Knee
Against the Chargers, Allen appeared hesitant to take off on several running opportunities, particularly in the first half. With the game still close in the second half, he ran more, finishing with eight carries for 22 yards and two touchdowns. However, he took a shot to his left knee and was seen limping after the game. That raised some questions, even though he continued to play.
Week 4 vs. Patriots: The Thumb?
Against New England, Allen barely ran outside of the tush pushes, finishing with five carries for four yards and a touchdown. He also appeared to pick up a thumb injury. It didn’t seem to bother him for the rest of the game, but he was caught shaking it out at practice this week. Between the reduced rushing activity, the knee scare, and now the thumb, there’s enough here to keep an eye on him.
Allen says he’s fine, and he’s not on the report. But three straight weeks of potential warning signs are worth watching. The ThighDoctor will be keeping a close eye on No. 17 under the Monday night lights.
OUT
Ed Oliver, DT, Knee
Oliver is set to miss his second game this season after former Buffalo Bill Reggie Gilliam crashed into the outside of his left knee. The mechanism looks consistent with an MCL sprain, which can sideline a player for roughly 1 to 2 weeks in a mild case and 3 to 4 weeks for a moderate sprain. Depending on the severity, Oliver might not return until after the bye week.
This is a tough break for Oliver, who missed 14 regular season games last year. Buffalo will have to get by without one of its most disruptive defensive linemen while he works his way back.
Joshua Palmer, WR, Shoulder
Palmer picked up a shoulder injury during Friday’s practice, and the severity remains unclear. What we do know is that the oft-injured wideout will miss another game, leaving Buffalo thinner at receiver heading into Monday night. With Palmer out, rookie WR Skyler Bell could get his first opportunity to make an impression. One man’s injury is another rookie’s chance to get on the field.
QUESTIONABLE
DJ Moore, WR, Shoulder
Moore is dealing with an AC joint sprain that he aggravated when he was knocked out of last week’s Patriots game. He originally suffered the injury in Week 2, and unfortunately, the mechanism of injury appeared nearly identical when he hurt it again. Moore has been DNP, DNP, Limited this week, suggesting he’s healing a little slower this time around.
His snap counts tell the story. Moore played 44 snaps (72%) in Week 1, then managed just 23 (31%) before exiting with the original injury in Week 2. After 10 days of rest, he bounced back to 42 snaps (64%) in Week 3, only to be limited to 23 snaps (39%) before leaving last week’s game against New England.
Moore is listed as Questionable, but even if he suits up Monday, don’t expect a full workload. With the same shoulder taking another hit, the Bills may need to manage his snaps carefully. The ThighDoctor’s take? If Moore plays, temper your expectations.
Dee Alford, NCB, Ankle
Alford exited last week’s game against New England with a right ankle injury. The initial mechanism didn’t look like much, but there was an eversion stress on the ankle. That raises the possibility of a high ankle sprain, which would make a return just one week later somewhat surprising.
There are exceptions, though. A very mild Grade 1 high ankle sprain can sometimes allow a quick return when the damage is limited to stretching of the syndesmotic ligaments, without significant injury to the deeper supporting structures, a fracture, or separation of the ankle joint. Alford went DNP, DNP, Limited this week, so his availability is far from guaranteed. However, he reportedly looked good at Saturday’s practice, which is an encouraging sign.
If Alford can’t go, the Bills could be in trouble. Both of his primary backups, Te’Cory Couch and Jordan Hancock, are unavailable. That’s a lot of pressure on the depth chart at a position Buffalo can ill afford to weaken against the Rams. Alford’s status is one to watch heading into Monday night.
Landon Jackson, DL, Knee
The scene was ugly when Jackson hyperextended his knee last week. He slammed his helmet into his opposite knee, and the coaches looked understandably solemn. The initial fear was an ACL injury, but Jackson was quickly cleared to return. He did come back for one play late in the game, sporting a bulky knee brace and looking noticeably gimpy.
Knee hyperextensions can range in severity. If there is no significant structural damage, such as a bone bruise or collateral ligament injury, players can sometimes return within 1 to 2 weeks. Jackson must have checked out reasonably well, because he progressed from Limited to Full, Full in practice this week.
He remains Questionable, but that practice progression is encouraging. After how concerning the initial scene looked, Jackson appears to have a good chance of being active Monday night.
The ThighDoctor’s Final Thigh Check 🦵🩺
The Bills are heading west with some important pieces missing and a few more questionable than we’d like. Ed Oliver’s absence is the biggest hit up front, while DJ Moore and Dee Alford are the two question marks I’ll be watching closest. Landon Jackson trending toward playing would be a welcome boost, but don’t forget about Josh Allen. He’s insisting he’s fine, yet the recent hits and reduced rushing activity are enough to keep my thighs suspicious. Monday night can’t come soon enough. Let’s hope the Bills leave SoFi with a win and a shorter injury list than they brought in.
