The Buffalo Bills are poised to face the Miami Dolphins on Thursday night with their star quarterback Josh Allen cleared to play following a concerning hand injury from Week 1. Despite the green light from the medical team, Allen may be taking additional measures to ensure his health as he prepares for this pivotal early-season clash.
Allen sustained a hand injury during a dramatic touchdown run in the Bills’ 34-28 victory over the Arizona Cardinals on September 8. On a pivotal fourth-quarter scramble, Allen leaped over Cardinals safety Budda Baker and landed awkwardly on his left hand. Though the injury was severe enough to warrant a taping and post-game X-rays, Allen managed to finish the game without showing significant limitations.
Practice Update: Glove on the Left Hand
In the lead-up to Thursday’s game, Allen was a full participant in Tuesday’s practice, as confirmed by Syracuse.com reporter Matt Parrino. Observers noted that Allen wore a new glove on his left hand during drills. While Parrino’s brief window into the practice did not reveal the extent of Allen’s limitations, he highlighted that the quarterback seemed to be throwing effectively.
Josh Allen is full participant in practice today. Here he is throwing. He’s wearing a glove on his left non-throwing hand. This is the only media open portion viewing period of the week before Thursday night against the Dolphins.
Josh Allen is full participant in practice today. Here he is throwing. He’s wearing a glove on his left non throwing hand. This is the only media open portion viewing period of the week before Thursday night against the Dolphins. pic.twitter.com/zZ2pXEX4ol
— Matt Parrino (@MattParrino) September 10, 2024
Further insight came from Spectrum News 1 reporter Andy Young, who relayed that Allen would not face limitations in taking snaps with the new glove. Bills head coach Sean McDermott confirmed that he did not foresee any constraints on Allen’s ability to perform under center.
A History of Playing Through Injury
Allen’s resilience is well-documented. Last season, he played through an early-season shoulder injury that altered his throwing mechanics. His ability to perform under duress has been a hallmark of his career, but the hand injury adds a new layer of complexity.
Caution on the Ground
While Allen’s ability to take snaps remains intact, his running game might see some adjustments. The Bills have emphasized the importance of Allen minimizing physical hits, a point Allen himself recognized. Reflecting on his aggressive touchdown runs against the Cardinals, Allen acknowledged the need for caution going forward.
“The first rushing touchdown, I kind of lowered the shoulder, knowing that was a corner,” Allen said, per ESPN. “Second time, I knew it was Budda, and Budda’s a good player and he’ll lay the boom on you, so I decided to go up and over, but probably can’t make a living doing that, but here we are.”
Key Matchup: Bills vs. Dolphins
Thursday’s game marks a crucial juncture early in the season. The Bills and Dolphins have a heated rivalry, with last season’s battles going down to the wire. Buffalo managed to overturn a two-game deficit in the division and clinched the AFC East title with a dramatic win over Miami in their final meeting.
As the Bills head to Miami for this high-stakes matchup, all eyes will be on Allen’s performance. While the hand injury might necessitate a more cautious approach, Allen’s readiness to play could be a pivotal factor in shaping the outcome of this game.
