Former Buffalo Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick has shared reassuring news regarding Josh Allen’s hand injury, which the star quarterback sustained during the Bills’ 34-28 win over the Arizona Cardinals on September 8. Despite concerns, Allen is showing signs of improvement ahead of the team’s Thursday Night Football showdown against the Miami Dolphins.
Allen injured his left hand while scoring a key fourth-quarter touchdown, but was able to return after having it taped. There were lingering concerns about whether he might be limited for the upcoming game, but Fitzpatrick put many of those fears to rest.
“Well, I’ll give you some real insider scoop,” Fitzpatrick said during a September 12 appearance on “Up & Adams.” “I Facetimed with him yesterday, he was holding the phone with his left hand. So I think we’ll be OK.”
Fitzpatrick Shares Experience With Hand Injuries
Fitzpatrick, who played 17 seasons in the NFL, is familiar with playing through injuries. He recalled undergoing surgery on his left hand but returning to the field just days later with a cast on his thumb. Despite the concerns, Fitzpatrick is confident that Allen won’t be hampered by the injury. However, he suggested some early indicators to watch in Thursday’s game.
“We’ll look at that early in the game to say if he’s going under center, how are the handoffs with the left hand,” Fitzpatrick noted. “Those’ll be the two things I’ll be looking for early to make sure it’s not bothering him. He’s using his right hand to throw, so he’ll be good in that aspect.”
17-year NFL vet QB Ryan Fitzpatrick shares some INSIDE SCOOP on Josh Allen's non-throwing hand injury… ✋🔊@FitzMagic_14 @heykayadams #BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/c473xSFy6C
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) September 12, 2024
Josh Allen’s Gritty Performance
Allen’s hand injury didn’t prevent him from finishing the Cardinals game with a strong performance. He completed 18 of 23 passes for 232 yards and two touchdowns, while adding 39 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns. Despite the success, Allen acknowledged after the game that he might need to be more cautious with his aggressive style of play. His second touchdown came after an airborne leap over Cardinals safety Budda Baker, during which he landed hard on his left hand.
“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,” Allen admitted.
Glove Watch
While Allen has been a full participant in practice this week, Bills beat reporter Matt Parrino noted that Allen was wearing a glove on his left hand during drills, signaling that he may be taking some precautions in preparation for the Dolphins game.
Ultimately, Fitzpatrick’s light-hearted reassurance about Allen holding his phone with his left hand has calmed fans’ nerves. However, all eyes will be on Allen’s performance come Thursday night to see if the injury has any impact on his play.
