The Buffalo Bills will be without at least two starters when they visit the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, and could be without one more. Fortunately, two other starters will likely be back in action.
It’s no surprise that both wide receiver Jordan Matthews and linebacker Ramon Humber will miss the game after both underwent surgery to repair thumb injuries suffered in the Bills’ 23-17 win over the Atlanta Falcons last week. Both should be out for a few weeks. The Bills re-signed wideout Corey Brown earlier this week to back-fill Matthews’ spot, while rookie linebacker Matt Milano will take Humber’s place in the lineup.
The other big injury the Bills will be dealing with is to cornerback E.J. Gaines, who pulled his groin near the end of the game (on a play he still managed to force a fumble on). After being limited in practice for the last two days, he’ll take a seat on Friday. If he can’t go, Shareece Wright will likely start in his place, with Leonard Johnson continuing to hold the nickel corner role.
In more positive news, it seems more and more likely that offensive tackle Cordy Glenn will be returning to the lineup after missing two games with a foot injury. Dion Dawkins has filled in admirably, but Glenn (who will be a full participant in practice on Friday after being limited for the first two days) is a major upgrade.
Defensive end Shaq Lawson is also likely to return after suffering a groin injury in practice last week that kept him out of the Falcons game. Lawson has been a full-go for the last two days after being limited on Wednesday. Eddie Yarbrough (who injured his thigh in practice this week but should be available) had a solid game in his place, but is best served as a rotational end at this point.
The other major injury situation that warrants monitoring is that of safety and NFL co-leader in interceptions Micah Hyde, who missed practice Wednesday with a knee injury. He returned to practice on Thursday, and during an appearance on PFT Live said that he’ll be playing on Sunday.
It feels strange to mention Marcell Dareus’ recovery from an ankle injury as an afterthought, but even when healthy the defensive tackle has not been a big part of the defense in 2017. He should be available on Sunday; if not, Adolphus Washington will likely return to the lineup after sitting as a healthy scratch last week.