The Buffalo Bills won a critical game against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, but it may have come at a cost.
Rookie wide receiver was injured late in the 30-27 victory, being taken to the sidelines following a helmet-to-helmet hit from Dolphins safety Jordan Poyer. The hit resulted in an unnecessary roughness penalty, giving the Bills a crucial first down on a third-and-9, extending the drive that ultimately led to Tyler Bass’ game-winning 61-yard ( goal.
Coleman did not return to the game, and the team received what could be a terrible omen regarding his injury after the game.
After the game, Syracuse.com writer Matt Parrino stated that Coleman was seen nursing an injured arm, but the extent of the injury was unknown.
“Keon Coleman wears a brace on his right wrist. “He left the game late after the Poyer play,” Parrino said.
Poyer’s helmet was observed making contact with Coleman’s right hand during the collision. As he approached the sidelines following the play, the rookie wide receiver looked to indicate toward his arm.
The Bills had already suffered another setback in their wide receiver room when new addition Amari Cooper was ruled out of Sunday’s game due to an arm injury.
Coleman had one reception for 21 yards in Sunday’s triumph, but another pass bounced off his hands near the goal line, converting a potential touchdown into an interception. Coleman also scored a crucial two-point conversion following a third-quarter touchdown.
This season, the rookie has been one of the team’s top receivers, catching 22 passes for 417 yards and two touchdowns.
Dolphins Defend Jordan Poyer’s Hit
Poyer, who signed with the Dolphins this offseason after seven years with the Bills, stated after the game that he didn’t intend to make helmet-to-helmet contact with Coleman. Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel called it an unfortunate play but emphasized that Poyer needs to focus on delivering legal hits.
“To succeed in this game, you have to play with aggression,” McDaniel told reporters, via Syracuse.com. “I believe his intent was in the right place. ‘Po’ (Jordan Poyer) is an invaluable player for us, elevating our preparation, performance, and communication. However, he knows that when you don’t hit the strike zone, you leave it up to the officials. If you aim for the strike zone and miss, it’s unfortunate, but a non-strike zone hit is going to get called every time because it’s against the rules.”
The victory widened Buffalo’s lead in the division, pushing them four games ahead of the second-place New York Jets, just nine weeks into the season. The Bills remain undefeated within the division, sweeping the Dolphins for the second year in a row and for the fifth time in six seasons.
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