In a season where injuries have already cast a long shadow over several NFL teams, the Buffalo Bills have reason to breathe a sigh of relief—at least for now. Reports from insider Matt Bove of WKBW on September 12 indicate that the team’s star nickel cornerback, Taron Johnson, will not be placed on injured reserve (IR), a decision that hints at a less severe outlook for his forearm injury.
Johnson, who suffered the injury early in the Bills’ 37-14 victory over the Arizona Cardinals on September 8, was immediately ruled out of the game and subsequently missed the Bills’ Thursday night matchup against the Miami Dolphins. The decision to keep him off IR suggests that the injury may not be as dire as initially feared.
IR Consideration and Team Strategy
The uncertainty surrounding Johnson’s injury was palpable in the days leading up to the Dolphins game. As reported by Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic, head coach Sean McDermott had not ruled out the possibility of placing Johnson on IR. This would have required the veteran cornerback to miss at least four games, potentially sidelining him until early October.
However, with the latest update, Johnson appears to be on track for a return before the Bills’ October 6 clash with the Houston Texans. This timeline is crucial for a team that relies heavily on Johnson’s coverage skills, especially in their nickel package, which has become a cornerstone of their defensive strategy since 2021.
Adjustments and Next Steps
In Johnson’s absence, the Bills are expected to turn to versatile defensive back Cam Lewis to man the nickel corner position. Lewis, who has shown flexibility in the past, will need to step up and maintain the defensive schemes Johnson has been integral to. If Lewis encounters any issues, the team might pivot to rookie Ja’Marcus Ingram, though they hope it doesn’t come to that.
The Bills are not only dealing with Johnson’s injury but also face challenges on other fronts. Defensive end Dawuane Smoot, who joined Buffalo after a seven-year stint with the Jacksonville Jaguars, has been ruled out for the second consecutive week due to a foot injury. Smoot’s absence has left a noticeable void on the defensive line, further complicating the team’s injury woes.
In response, the Bills have promoted defensive end Kingsley Jonathan from the practice squad. Jonathan, who has seen increased action in the past year, will provide additional depth and potentially help mitigate the impact of Smoot’s absence.
Quarterback Concerns and Team Outlook
Adding to the injury list, quarterback Josh Allen sustained a hand injury during a fourth-quarter touchdown run against the Cardinals. Despite the scare and necessary hand taping, Allen returned to the game and is expected to play against the Dolphins. His ability to play through this injury will be crucial as the Bills navigate their early-season challenges.
As the Buffalo Bills look to maintain their competitive edge amidst these injuries, their ability to adapt and manage their roster will be tested. Johnson’s potential return in early October will be a significant boost, but for now, the team must navigate a series of adjustments and make the most of their available talent.
The coming weeks will reveal just how well the Bills can cope with their injury issues and whether they can sustain their early-season success. With key players like Johnson and Smoot on the mend, Buffalo’s depth and resilience will be put to the ultimate test.
