Kyle Williams Injury Could End His Season, Per Report

by Brian Galliford on Nov 8, 2011 8:45 AM EST in Buffalo Bills News

We've been waiting for bad news regarding Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Kyle Williams and his foot injury, and per a Buffalo News report, that bad news may soon be delivered.

The News reports that, per team sources, Williams is likely going to miss the remainder of the 2011 season with an injury believed to be bone spurs in his left heel. Those bone spurs are apparently bothering his Achilles tendon. Williams is scheduled to see a specialist regarding the injury in the next day or two.

Coming into the new year, Williams had missed just two games over the first five years of his pro career. He has already missed three games this year - he hasn't played since Buffalo's Week 5 win over Philadelphia - and, if the report turns out to be true, he could be on his way to missing eight more.

Williams, widely considered Buffalo's best defender, made his first Pro Bowl last season after recording 77 tackles and 5.5 sacks in 2010. If his 2011 season is really over, he'll finish it with just nine tackles and a batted pass.

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unfortunately this isn’t surprising – his playing style has always made me believe that he would break down and have issues like this faster than most guys. I know that injuries like this happen but bone spurs are a direct result of his tenacity.

Hopefully he can get that smoothed out and come back but we should have expected injuries like this from him.

by J2 on Nov 8, 2011 8:50 AM EST reply actions

Tenacity causes bone spurs? Brutal double-edged sword…

I have low expectations. But high hopes.

by greysquirrel on Nov 8, 2011 10:50 AM EST up reply actions

well extreme stress over a period of time and the way he plays his position makes injuries like this more likely. I think it was K a few years back that said he would be prone to these types of injuries.

by J2 on Nov 8, 2011 11:38 AM EST up reply actions

Shut him down for the season, get repaired/healed, and return in the off-season.

When the job is finished no one remembers how long it took, just how well it was performed.

by Buffalo for Eternity on Nov 8, 2011 8:52 AM EST reply actions 1 recs

is there a chance he could return for the playoffs?

If so I wouldnt shut him down quite yet.

This even grates my passive cheese - LeClaire Bill

by poz on Nov 8, 2011 10:31 AM EST up reply actions 3 recs

a very slim chance

I bet he already has surgery scheduled, and if that happenens he won’t be back this year.

All of does who disrespect us and come to our Holly ground will be knock to king dome come and turn to dust in the wind This is our House Holly to the Buffalo Nation. ~abayarde

If you don’t learn something here, you just aren’t paying attention. ~jonramz

by mrdorn73 on Nov 8, 2011 7:43 PM EST up reply actions

Williams will need surgery for bone spurs in foot, it would not hurt to put him on the injured reserves. Dareus is doing a good job filling in at Nose Tackle, bring in Jay Ross from practice squad if matters become worst.

by Anthony7 on Nov 8, 2011 8:59 AM EST reply actions

His burst off the line is the best part of his game; without it, he’s average. Get healthy, Kyle. We’re going to need you next year.

by Morningw00d on Nov 8, 2011 9:00 AM EST reply actions 1 recs

My sentiments exactly.

Tough luck with the injury, but rest up, big guy. Take care of yourself, look forward to seeing you on the field next year.

Go Buffalo Bills, Utah Jazz, and Arkansas Razorbacks

OUR KING DOME IS HOLLY GROUND YOU CAN ENTER BUT YOU WILL LEAVE WITH OUT A SOUL - Abayarde, Buffalo Rumblings

by Dyl on Nov 8, 2011 10:23 AM EST up reply actions

not that you ever want to lose a pro bowl player, but I actually think we’re better with Dareus at the nose – any chance when Williams returns, either this season or next, that he could slide to end in the 3-4?

by JustAskTheAxis on Nov 8, 2011 9:04 AM EST reply actions

Again – they play so little true 3-4 that it’s almost becoming a misnomer. They’ll be at their best when both 99 and 95 are healthy and doing a bunch of different things.

Editor-in-Chief, BUFFALO RUMBLINGS®
@BrianGalliford

by Brian Galliford on Nov 8, 2011 9:15 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs

here's the problem

An Achilles tendon bone spur is called a calcaneal or heel bone spur. Bone spurs grow over other bones, not on tendons. However, a bone spur on the heel bone can touch or affect the Achilles tendon.
An Achilles tendon bone spur forms at the insertion point of the Achilles tendon and behind the heel.
This extra bone growth affects the bursa and surrounding tissue. It creates irritation and inflammation of this area and that of the area where the Achilles tendon meets with the heel bone. Several bursa reside behind the heel bone that protect the tendon from the heel bone. Bursa are fluid-filled sacs that are lined with soft tissue.

Ignoring them can cause injury to the Achilles tendon. That could lead to prolonged rehab from achilles surgery. Shelving him now is the prudent course. Bone spur surgery, while not a permanent cure (they could grow back), is far better than an achilles tear.

This team is making me skeptical of my skepticism- putting the crow in the oven to slow roast.

by fansince60 on Nov 8, 2011 9:05 AM EST reply actions 1 recs

I had this surgery done 21 years ago

and my heel has been fine since. But it takes a full year to recouperate.

All of does who disrespect us and come to our Holly ground will be knock to king dome come and turn to dust in the wind This is our House Holly to the Buffalo Nation. ~abayarde

If you don’t learn something here, you just aren’t paying attention. ~jonramz

by mrdorn73 on Nov 8, 2011 7:46 PM EST up reply actions

It’s alarming to hear about a foot injury on a big man. They don’t always come back the same.

"There's only one C.J. Spiller." -Buddy Nix

by Port Royal on Nov 8, 2011 9:20 AM EST reply actions

Permanent foot/ankle soft tissue damage is always an issue, especially in athletes. Just ask Mr. Merriman. Get the surgery, take time off, and hope for the best

by Rick A on Nov 8, 2011 10:06 AM EST up reply actions

They don’t always come back the same.

Yup. Been my thought for several weeks. I’m hoping that’s not the case here, but I don’t have a lot of hope.

Give a monkey a typewriter and infinite time, and he’ll eventually release Maybin. -- stetzwebs
No one circles the waiver wire like the Buffalo Bills!

by thefourwinds on Nov 8, 2011 2:46 PM EST up reply actions

Should of seen the specialist when the trainers where cutting holes in his cleats. To allow him to play.

"This is a chance to shine some light on the city, They say it’s too cold. I’m going to bring some warmth to it." Marcell Dareus

by matthew62 on Nov 8, 2011 9:28 AM EST via mobile reply actions

Can't afford to lose Pro Bowl Talent from your roster

Especially since we have very few of them on the team… unfortunate for the Bills who are in the midst of a division race and need all the help they can get. However, this also makes the Darius pick this year that much more important to give a guy like that extended PT, also to mix in Heard and Troupe to give them a lot more experience and play-time.

Speaking of Darius, did he lose a lot of weight since he was drafted like Phil Simms was saying on the broadcast last weekend?

by dabillsr1 on Nov 8, 2011 9:56 AM EST reply actions

Are they going to shut down Torell Troup?

He doesn’t appear close to being an effective player this season either.

by Rick A on Nov 8, 2011 10:08 AM EST reply actions

Glass half empty: We had a healthy Meatball for all those futile seasons and when we are finally in position to make a run he we lose him. This affects the entire defense for the worse and the Bills were 4-1 with Meatball and are 1-2 without him.

Glass half full: Since the day he was drafted Alex Carrington had potential d-line stud written all over him. Hes looked good with increased playing time and given Dwan Edwards’ veteran/leader status, young AC would never have gotten more reps with a healthy Meatball. If you believe the Bills are still one season away from truly contending, letting Kyle rest up and giving AC increased playing time to develop into the playmaker we believe he can be, while giving Dareus different looks on the line, will eventually lead to a defensive line of dominance behind Carrington, Dareus, and Meatball playing together as starters. I know how much excitement there is surrounding Dareus right now but Im just as pumped about what Carrington is doing out there. Hes fast and strong and it shows.

This even grates my passive cheese - LeClaire Bill

by poz on Nov 8, 2011 10:38 AM EST reply actions 1 recs

Nice positive spin. Carrington seems like a guy who needs reps but could be a future starter at DE. At least he will get them now. I feel much the same way about Troup but this recurring lower back issue has me concerned. Both those guys really spent a year getting their bodies where they wanted them and now they need to get their football experience up.

I have low expectations. But high hopes.

by greysquirrel on Nov 8, 2011 10:49 AM EST up reply actions

yea

Troup is concerning with his back issues and one would have hoped this would have been his time to step up as well.

If the defensive line and its youngsters can make a leap in development with Kyle out the run defense will see vast improvement in 2012 with his return.

This even grates my passive cheese - LeClaire Bill

by poz on Nov 8, 2011 11:52 AM EST up reply actions

Is he worth the "Peyton Manning Treatment?"

Keep him on the roster, in case we make the playoffs, then theres a shot he is ready in 2 months? I say he is. If we kept Wheatly on the roster for a month+, then I say we keep him active and hope that in 2 months hes better.

Fitz = M(C)²
"Lets Go Buff! a! lo!"

by bflo on Nov 8, 2011 10:43 AM EST reply actions

Manning had surgery before the season

Kyle has yet to go under the knife. I don’t think he could recover from surgery in time for the playoffs. If I had a vote, I’d say to play it safe and shut him down.

by Morningw00d on Nov 8, 2011 11:04 AM EST up reply actions

We'll call it "The Manning Curse"

Roscoe was another victim.

Hang in there Fitz!

by CPT Shawn on Nov 8, 2011 10:54 AM EST via mobile reply actions

This sucks

however, the Bills are going to find out how hard it really is to win 10-11 games in this league. It’s really freaking hard. The thing that concerns me the most, is that I think when the weather turns here in Nov/Dec I don’t see how we are built to win. We run a spread attack in Western freaking NY? Wind, snow, rain. I know we have Freddy but we aren’t a power run team. We rely on the passing game and our defense is mediocre at best. I like the future of our DL with Dareus and Meatball but that future is on hold.

The Bills are going to have to put up or shut up. To win down the stretch the offense has to prove it can still make plays against top notch, physical defenses like the Jets who can jam our receivers and push back our OL. Dallas is a huge game Sunday. In fact, looking at the schedule I don’t see how the Bills can lose at Dallas and still make the playoffs.

"Show me the baby": - Buddy Nix "The biggest mistake most GM's make is misevaluating their own talent." - Michael Lombardi

by MARVelous on Nov 8, 2011 11:32 AM EST reply actions

there is the issue

the offensive line has done a great job this year but they have been largely protected by their coach due to running a quick, timing passing game and running Fred Jackson out of the spread. Notice you won’t really see Fitz ever drop back and let a play develop down the field. This is because Chan knows he cant do that with the OL. As the weather gets worse and the Bills are forced to tighten it up I think the offensive line will be exposed a little bit more. All this means is that the Bills have to start winning on the road. Home games will become dogfights in which the defense has to win it and the offense can’t curl into the fetal position like it did against the Jets. This raises the importance of winning in domes and warm weather cities down the stretch.

At Dallas, at Miami, at San Diego are must wins in which the offense has to do its job because moving forward is going to be much scrappier at home and in New England and New Jersey

This even grates my passive cheese - LeClaire Bill

by poz on Nov 8, 2011 11:56 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs

Maybe…. I’m not so convinced this attack is really susceptible to weather. But you could argue that the down the field stuff we don’t do now is what gets most impacted by weather. So our passing game is actually okay given that it doesnt rely on a bunch of deep passes in the middle of a maelstrom at RWS. Our current system is pretty “tight” relative to most passing attacks. Not sure that it will demand demand more sustained pass-blocking or less.

Though it definitely demands more run-blocking. It feels like we are an improved run-blocking team, but obviously the test will be some of these games where we dont have much choice but to run the ball.

I have low expectations. But high hopes.

by greysquirrel on Nov 8, 2011 2:08 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

agreed

those 3 road games are must wins right now. The close loss to Cincy still hangs over this team’s head in regards to playoff connotations. Not worried about losing to the Jets as marked that one as an L a few weeks back. They do need to win the remainder of their home games and 3 more away to get to 11 wins which I think should be enough for the playoffs, that means Dal, Mia, SD as well as Ten, Mia and Den at home. Even if they achieve all this winning in NE may be required in Week 17 if AFC North teams keep beating on everyone else – tiebreakers do not look favourable right now and amazingly 11 wins could still see a team not qualify for the playoffs.

by Billsdownunder on Nov 8, 2011 6:45 PM EST up reply actions

Lindell out for 4-6 weeks

what do we do at kicker?

by LABillsFan on Nov 8, 2011 11:40 AM EST reply actions

Score Touchdowns and run 2-pt conversions with Brad Smith !

by PineWoodsBillsFan on Nov 8, 2011 11:49 AM EST up reply actions

definitely this.

"WE PROTECT AND LIVE FOR THE HONOR OF RIDING IN THE WAGON BLASTER" -abayarde

by BuffaloBlueBlood on Nov 8, 2011 12:18 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

love it!

by LABillsFan on Nov 8, 2011 12:51 PM EST up reply actions

ill give it a try!

This even grates my passive cheese - LeClaire Bill

by poz on Nov 8, 2011 11:51 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs

Bring in a kicker until he is healthy and not try alot of field goals that are long.

"This is a chance to shine some light on the city, They say it’s too cold. I’m going to bring some warmth to it." Marcell Dareus

by matthew62 on Nov 8, 2011 12:08 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

Is Morten Andersen available? :)

by Morningw00d on Nov 8, 2011 12:13 PM EST up reply actions

Alll I know is shayne graham is avaible.

"This is a chance to shine some light on the city, They say it’s too cold. I’m going to bring some warmth to it." Marcell Dareus

by matthew62 on Nov 8, 2011 12:18 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

Graham again. Look up journeyman in the encyclopedia and you’ll find his picture.

by Rick A on Nov 8, 2011 1:03 PM EST up reply actions

Every team suffers injuries, some bigger than others, time to buck up, don’t make excuses and persevere. Like Clint Eastwood.

by garcia76 on Nov 8, 2011 1:23 PM EST reply actions

forget this season, will he ever be back to his old form?

"the man who created a legend; the legend who resurrected a franchise."

by chaucer on Nov 8, 2011 1:32 PM EST reply actions

As soon as I heard the term “bone spurs,” I began expecting this. They aren’t going away by themselves. They will require surgery to remove them, and until they are removed, they will continue to inflame whatever soft tissue is near them, in this case, apparently, the achilles tendon. Anything else you can do (rest, cortisone shots, whatever) is going to be a bandaid that will provide only temporary, and unsatisfactory relief for the soft tissue inflamation that will immediately be reaggravated as soon as he steps on to the field to try and play again. I know hindsight is 20/20, but he should have opted for surgery back in training camp when it was first diagnosed.

by TigerJ on Nov 8, 2011 1:58 PM EST reply actions

Haynesworth just released

Do you think bills will/should/might pick him up? Just wondering (first post here #GOBILLS!)

by billsmcgee on Nov 8, 2011 2:13 PM EST reply actions 1 recs

wondering the same

I just found out about Haynesworth and was wondering the same exact thing. Yes I know he under performed for the Pats but no doubt this guy has talent and size. Perhaps with the Bills defensive system he might come back to form…

One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. I say if they can grab him he is worth a shot now that Williams is most likely heading to IR.

by frWild4Stevie on Nov 8, 2011 3:10 PM EST up reply actions

Albert Haynesworth

is going to be a horrible influence on this lockerroom. He was cut because he doesnt work hard and was quitting on plays. Hes not Buffalo material. Could you imagine an arrogant, self-entitled punk like him accepting giving up playing time to Dareus, Carrington, Spencer and Dwan? All who are at this point, better NFL players than him?

This even grates my passive cheese - LeClaire Bill

by poz on Nov 8, 2011 3:12 PM EST up reply actions

for sure

new england made a big mistake in signing him. They got cocky IMO and they are admitting their mistake by waiving him. Besides, Haynesworth has shown he is not willing to play in a 3-4 so what good could he do in Buffalo?

by Billsdownunder on Nov 8, 2011 6:48 PM EST up reply actions

We hardly run true 3-4

Most of the time it’s over/under looks with either Carrington, Johnson, or Kelsay playing OLB but with their hand in the dirt rushing the passer or keeping contain on the edge. Haynesworth would be lined up right inside as a DT along with Dareus.

"I promise you, ... When I come back, I'm going to be like a mad dog in a meat house." -Takeo Spikes

by panekattack on Nov 9, 2011 4:33 AM EST up reply actions

Desperate times call for desperate measures

There are no quality DT’s left in FA. I think he’s still better than Carrington and Johnson. I’ve never been a huge fan of the guy but if he’s willing to come in and accept a role as a rotational guy with Dareus and those other 2 then I’d be fine with it. We are still in the playoff hunt and all these injuries are starting to add up especially in the middle. I highly doubt he would reject the idea because I think he knows he’s almost on his last leg in the NFL and needs to prove to people that he wants to be here. Besides the extra incentive of playing against the Pats and proving them wrong for dropping him would be great motivation for him I think. I think him and Dareus would be a great duo inside for the rest of this year.

"I promise you, ... When I come back, I'm going to be like a mad dog in a meat house." -Takeo Spikes

by panekattack on Nov 9, 2011 4:31 AM EST up reply actions