After a bout with illness and a failed vacation in Florida due to hurricane Milton I am back to the finger lakes and the report. First a little bit of history. Where did the “ squish the fish” come from? As an old school Bills fan living through the 1970s I am familiar with the fact that the Bills were 0 for the 70s against the Dolphins. This led to a lot of pent up anger and hatred towards the Dolphins. After that decade and then the Kelly Marino rivalry with the Bills and Dolphins perpetually competing for the AFC East title the Bills Dolphins games were always close and critical to who would win the division. Fans would scream at the Dolphins bus as it arrived or left the stadium. Bryan Cox of the Dolphins got into it on the field and with the fans. The Bills Dolphins game became THE game to go too and I went to almost every one in the 80s and 90s. Now we get to watch the reverse of the 70s with the Bills having won 14 of the last 16 games against the Dolphins. However the Dolphins with Tua as Quarterback have been the closest team to beating us and winning the Division. A “new” rivalry in the making? We’ll see about that.
Now to the injury report. If you look at the official report from the team there are LOTS of players on the list. This is required by the league to report any player that is receiving any form of treatment. For instance Josh Allen’s hand is probably getting some kind of treatment such as massage or stretching or possibly some topical medicine. It obviously doesn’t stop him from playing but he’s on the list. The players on the list that are important include Curtis Samuel, Terrell Bernard, Christian Benford and Reggie Gilliam.
Gilliam sustained a hip injury during practice this week. It’s undisclosed what actually occurred but coach has ruled him out for the game this week.
Curtis Samuel is dealing with a pectoral injury which presumably won’t need surgery but has been very limited in practice this week. Although he is listed as questionable I suspect he’ll be inactive this week to allow for further healing and rehabilitation.
Terrel Bernard is dealing with ankle injury and pectoral injury. He has been limited in practice but I suspect he’ll be active for the game but may have limited action.
Christian Benford injured his wrist late in the game last week. I suspect he has a sprain and was seen practicing with a brace and padding. If he can’t play it would be a significant loss as we need him as a shut down corner against the speed of the Dolphins receivers. I suspect he will play but may have some difficulty with tackling.
Now to a couple guys on IR. Everyone is curious about Milano. Reports state there have been no setbacks from his Biceps surgery and his practice window may open up later this month for a possible return in early to mid December. Fingers crossed here but Dorian Williams has been doing well in his absence. More recently Duwayne Carter had wrist surgery most likely on a fractured scaphoid bone. This is usually a 4-6 week recovery and with the bye week in there I suspect he’ll be back in December too.
A non injury addition this week is Von Miller. After his 4 game suspension he will be healthy and can hopefully get right back on his sack a game pattern from the beginning of the season. He will be a welcome addition this week to keep the line applying pressure on Tua and forcing him to make errant throws like he did in week 2.
Overall we are pretty healthy for this time of year and look to put a stranglehold on the division lead with a win this week. Can’t wait to see you all there. Go Bills!
Dr. Bruce
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