The Buffalo Bills’ injury list is extensive following their game against the Detroit Lions, but the most important news is encouraging. All-Pro wide receiver Stefon Diggs was back at practice on Sunday and looks to be on track for a regular season return (and could potentially see a little bit of action against the Green Bay Packers in the preseason finale).
Bills WR Stefon Diggs was back on the practice field today. Here’s video of him doing some work. It was a very light practice which resembled more of a walk-through for the team. But still very encouraging to see. pic.twitter.com/3W2OgSdDeR
— Sal Capaccio (@SalSports) August 22, 2021
Further down the roster, there was a lot of discouraging news. Both of the Bills’ backup offensive tackles Spencer Brown and Tommy Doyle were injured against the Chicago Bears, but head coach Sean McDermott said they were “on the earlier side” on their timeline to return. That’s good news if you don’t want to see Bobby Hart take a roster spot.
Defensive tackle Harrison Phillips is fighting for his roster life, and injured his knee against the Bears. It’s the same knee that he hurt in 2019 and McDermott said Sunday that it’s going to be a “little bit of time” before he’s back. With roster cuts looming, it’s not a great time to be injured on the bubble.
Wide receiver Isaiah Hodgins is day to day and could practice this week after being hurt in the first preseason game. He’ll be pushing to get back on the field in order to try and make the roster or the team could ultimately place him on injured reserve for the second consecutive season.
Forrest Lamp was the longest-term injury on the roster and his calf injury was enough to send him to IR. He’s ineligible to return to the Bills but when he is healthy, should be released on an injury settlement. Wide receiver Duke Williams was waived/injured this weekend, as well.
Wide receiver/punt returner Marquez Stevenson was in a walking boot after the game and his x-ray was negative, but we haven’t had an update from the coaching staff since the injury Saturday.
Running back Antonio Williams is working his way back from a stinger but he was at practice on Sunday.
A long list of players remain injured and not in attendance at practice with no updates. Hopefully we will hear about TE Tommy Sweeney (foot/walking boot) and S Jaquan Johnson, who are expected to make the roster as well as RB Christian Wade, who has been out for weeks with a hurt shoulder and has a guaranteed spot on the practice squad.