The Buffalo Bills need just one more win to secure a spot in the playoff standings, and it looks like they will have a healthy Josh Allen to help get them there.
Josh Allen was injured in the Bills’ victory over the New England Patriots on Dec. 22, taking a hard fall on his right arm and playing through numbness in his hand. This came after he had already spent weeks recovering from a broken bone in his left, non-throwing hand. The new injury raised concerns that he might be limited for the final two games of the regular season.
However, the team’s injury report on Thursday brought good news for Allen, as he was cleared to play, setting him up for Sunday’s game against the New York Jets.
Josh Allen Still ‘Sore,’ But Ready to Play
As Katherine Fitzgerald of the Buffalo News reported, Allen was listed as a full participant in the team’s practice on December 26. On Thursday, Allen shared that he was still dealing with some bumps and bruises from last week’s win over the Patriots but would focus on avoiding taking hits during Sunday’s game against the 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 reported on December 22 that Allen played through much of the early part of the season with a broken bone in his left hand. The injury occurred while he was crossing the goal line on a rushing touchdown during the Bills’ Week 1 win over the Arizona Cardinals.
Rapoport reported that the injury has since healed, but Allen has continued to wear a protective glove on his left hand for the remainder of the season.
Bills Face Key Stretch
Rapoport reported that the injury has since healed, but Allen has continued to wear a protective glove on his left hand for the remainder of the season.
The Bills have the opportunity to secure their spot as the No. 2 seed in the playoffs with a win over the Jets on Sunday. While the Bills were in contention for the top seed and a playoff bye heading into the week, the Kansas City Chiefs secured the No. 1 seed with a 15-1 record after their victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Christmas Day.
If the Bills can defeat the Jets, it would give them the chance to rest some key players in the season finale against the Patriots, with their playoff positioning already secured.
Allen expressed hope that his team can get off to a fast start on Sunday, capitalizing on the opportunities they struggled to take advantage of in last week’s game. The Bills found themselves trailing the Patriots 14-0 before mounting a comeback in the second half, fueled by a strong defensive performance.
Allen credited the defense and special teams for their strong performance in last week’s game, emphasizing that he wants the offense to improve and be more efficient 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.”
