As the Buffalo Bills prefer to battle the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, the team is trending healthier but still not 100 percent. It looks like Shaq Lawson will survive an injury scare; the defensive end hurt his elbow in practice on Monday but is “expected to be able to go” this weekend, per head coach Sean McDermott. His co-star, Trent Murphy, was limited in practice on Wednesday but is closer to returning from a knee sprain.
Josh Allen will start at quarterback, assuming his arm didn’t explode during Friday’s practice. Matt Milano (concussion) and Chris Ivory (shoulder) both practiced in full on Wednesday and are expected to return to action on Sunday.
Three players are not likely to make the active roster on gameday. Veteran quarterback Derek Anderson is still working through the concussion protocol, so Matt Barkley will be Allen’s backup. Tight end Charles Clay (hamstring) is doubtful to play, missing practice all week. Rookie cornerback Taron Johnson (shoulder) re-aggravated his labrum injury against the Jets, and spent all week practicing in a non-contact jersey. It would be a stretch to see him appear against the Jaguars.
Jacksonville’s dealing with its own set of banged-up players, and the core issue is on the offensive line. Ereck Flowers is expected to start at left tackle with Cam Robinson on IR and backup Josh Walker out of Sunday’s game. Center Brandon Linder dropped to IR recently, and right guard AJ Cann is listed as questionable. Expect Buffalo’s defensive line to feast against Jacksonville’s weak blocking and low-octane offense. Marcell Dareus (back) was also listed as questionable for the Jaguars.