ESPN REPORT: Bills Get Unexpected ‘Big’ Injury Developments Before Lions Game

The Buffalo Bills may be without key players in their secondary for Sunday’s game against the Detroit Lions, but there’s potential good news on the defensive line.

Safeties Damar Hamlin and Taylor Rapp, along with cornerback Rasul Douglas, are dealing with injuries that could sideline them for the matchup. Meanwhile, defensive end Dawuane Smoot and linebacker Baylon Spector have made progress in their recoveries and are nearing a return from injured reserve.

As the Bills aim to close the gap on the AFC-leading Kansas City Chiefs, the potential roster adjustments come at a critical point in the season, with limited time left to secure the No. 1 seed in the playoffs.

Bills Face Uncertainty on Defense

 

 

Bills head coach Sean McDermott announced that the team has opened the 21-day practice window for defensive end Dawuane Smoot and linebacker Baylon Spector, marking the first step toward their potential return from injured reserve.

“Baylon, we’ll open his window, and Smoot as well, today,” McDermott said, via SI.com.

The team now has three weeks to decide whether to add Smoot and Spector back to the 53-man roster or move them to season-ending injured reserve. Spector has been sidelined since suffering a calf injury during the Week 10 win against the Indianapolis Colts, while Smoot has battled multiple injuries this season. Smoot missed the first three games with a toe injury and was sidelined again following a Week 9 win over the Miami Dolphins.

The Bills’ secondary, however, could face a major setback for Sunday’s game. Rasul Douglas and Taylor Rapp did not practice on Wednesday, and Damar Hamlin was added to Thursday’s injury report. Complicating matters, a severe snowstorm forced the Bills to cancel practice, leaving the status of all three players uncertain ahead of their showdown with the Detroit Lions.

Big Opportunity for Returning Bills Player

 

If Taylor Rapp or Damar Hamlin are unable to play against the Lions, the Bills may turn to a familiar face who rejoined the team last week. Veteran safety Micah Hyde, a longtime contributor, was signed to the practice squad, giving the team an experienced option in the secondary.

When Hyde was signed, head coach Sean McDermott emphasized that the move didn’t disrupt the current depth chart.

“Just to set expectations, Micah is in a practice squad role,” McDermott said, via ESPN. “We are fully confident in Taylor Rapp, Damar Hamlin, Cole Bishop, Kareem Jackson. They’ve all been doing a real good job for us in the roles that they are currently in. They’re going to stay in those roles, and Micah is in a practice squad role, so good to have him back and his family as well.”

However, the injuries to Rapp and Hamlin this week could force the Bills to elevate Hyde for Sunday’s game. With four weeks remaining in the regular season, the team can elevate Hyde from the practice squad three times, and those elevations reset for the playoffs, ensuring flexibility in how the veteran is utilized.