The Buffalo Bills need just one more victory to secure their spot in the playoff race, and it looks like they’ll have a healthy Josh Allen to help them achieve it.
Allen had sustained an injury during the team’s win over the New England Patriots on December 22, taking a hard hit to his right arm and playing through numbness in his hand. He had already been recovering from a broken bone in his left, non-throwing hand, and the new injury raised concerns about his ability to play in the final two regular-season games.
However, the team’s injury report on Thursday offered some positive news, confirming that Allen will be cleared to play in Sunday’s game against the New York Jets.
Josh Allen Still ‘Sore,’ But Ready to Play
As reported by Katherine Fitzgerald of the Buffalo News, Josh Allen was listed as a full participant in the Bills’ practice on December 26. Despite some lingering soreness from Buffalo’s win over the New England Patriots, Allen told reporters on Thursday that he would do his best to avoid taking hits in Sunday’s game against the New York Jets.
“Good. Just a little sore from this last game,” Allen said. “Again, probably took too many opportunities for them to lay their hands and pads on me. So, just got to be smarter and make sure that we’re rolling here.”
NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport revealed on December 22 that Allen had played much of the season with a broken bone in his left, non-throwing hand, an injury he sustained while scoring a rushing touchdown in the Bills’ Week 1 win over the Arizona Cardinals. Although the injury has healed, Allen has continued to wear a protective glove on his left hand for the remainder of the season.
Bills Face Crucial Stretch
With a win over the Jets on Sunday, the Bills can secure the No. 2 playoff seed. Although they were previously in the hunt for the top seed and a playoff bye, the Kansas City Chiefs clinched the No. 1 spot with a 15-1 record following their Christmas Day win over the Pittsburgh Steelers.
A win against the Jets would also give the Bills the chance to rest key players in the season finale against the Patriots.
Allen emphasized the importance of starting fast on Sunday, pointing out the missed opportunities from last week’s game, in which the Bills trailed 14-0 before mounting a comeback in the second half, thanks in part to a strong defensive performance.
He credited the defense and special teams for their contributions but acknowledged that the offense needs to be better against the Jets.
“We’ve got to find a way,” Allen said, via ESPN. “Got to come out in the first half ready to play, and I don’t think that’s something that we did great today. Missed some opportunities. Wish I had a few back. That’s every game, but glad our defense and our special teams can step up.”
