IT’S FINALLY HERE! Week 1 starts Today. Overall the team is relatively healthy. We did sustain some injuries during the preseason games but also are getting some players back for the season. Let’s get started on what we know for certain and then get into the speculation on several nondescript injuries.
first and foremost is Von Miller. He had an ACL injury last November. He has been ramping up his activities but remains on the PUP list. This will keep him out of the first 4 games of the season. After that he can be activated and start playing. He remains unable to practice with the team but can be there to offer advice to our other D lineman. Since he is a seasoned veteran I suspect that when he is activated he will no need a lot of time to be game ready. I for one like this cautious approach allowing him to heal completely and then gradually get more playing time so he will be ready and able to play late season and into the playoffs.
WR Justin Shorter was placed on IR after making the 53 man roster. He had a hamstring injury and is likely to remain on the IR list for a number of weeks. After that he can be activated off the IR and has 3 weeks to either be activated or placed on season ending IR. This plan kept a valuable draft pick from being picked up off waivers or poached off the practice squad. With the depth we have in the receiver room it wouldn’t surprise me if he is placed on season ending IR at some point. This would basically give him a redshirt year to learn the offense and improve general conditioning etc.
LB Babylon Spector also sustained a serious hamstring injury and was placed on Short Term IR. Similar to Shorter after he heals and rehabs he can be released to team practices and then be activated or placed on season ending IR. Unlike Shorter I suspect that when he is ready they will activate him to the roster. He does seem to be slightly injury prone but has a high ceiling. Let’s hope he can get healthy and stay healthy
OG Connor McGovern sustained a right knee injury in practice a couple weeks ago. The team has not expanded on the actual injury but most likely this was a MCL or PCL injury. The good news is he returned to practice last week with a knee brace. Some of his reps were limited and he looked a little cautious. This most likely is consistent with the presumed MCL injury. I suspect he’ll be wearing a brace and should be able to play week 1. However if he doesn’t practice well this week we may see Edwards at left guard week 1.
LB Tyrell Bernard sustained a hamstring injury during the last week of training camp. He didn’t play any preseason games but was seen practicing last week and looked good. I suspect with the MLB position somewhat uncertain the team wanted to make sure he was healthy for week 1. Dodson is probably starting MLB this week but if he struggles don’t be surprised if Bernard gets in there and doesn’t give the position back. He is faster and better in coverage.
LB Dorian Williams suffered a calf injury2 weeks ago. Since then he has been seen doing individual drills but not participating fully in practice. This so like a significant strain of his gastrocnemius muscle. This could take quite a while to heal and he may not be ready to go against the JETS. It also could be a mild strain which would allow him to practice this week and be ready to go. Keep your eyes on the practice report to see if he’ll be ready
WR Khalil Shakir. Sustained a rib injury 2 weeks ago. There is limited information regarding the severity of the injury but he has only been participating in individual drills. This makes me concerned he has a more severe injury and possibly a rib fracture. Stay tuned for more details but don’t be surprised if he is not active on Monday Night
Oh yeah a name that isn’t on this list is S Damar Hamlin. He is healthy and on the 53 man roster. Can’t wait to hear the cheers when he comes on the field at the home opener.. Should be CRAZY LOUD
Finally let’s talk about QB Matt Barkley. He sustained an UCL injury during the second preseason game. He didn’t practice or play in preseason game 3. Finally he was released with an injury settlement. This would suggest a more serious injury Possibly needing surgery. UCL surgery would eliminate him from playing at all this year. If he doesn’t need surgery he may recover in 6-8 weeks and then sign with any team. Another option would be for him to become an assistant QB coach here or elsewhere(He basically has done this for the past 2 years). We wish him well no matter what is in his future.
That sums up the situation for now. Hopefully we will not see any injuries in practice this week and we will have a healthy roster for MNF against the Jets. I for one can’t wait to get this season started. It seems like forever since we had a game that counted. As always let me know if you have any questions about an injury or a comment or just want to say Go Bills… GOOOOOOO BILLS!!!
Dr Bruce
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