The Buffalo Bills will be without one of their key defensive contributors, Dawuane Smoot, for Thursday Night Football against the Miami Dolphins. The team announced on September 10 that Smoot, an eight-year veteran defensive end, has been ruled out as he continues to deal with a toe injury. Smoot, who signed with the Bills this offseason, was also sidelined for the team’s season opener against the Arizona Cardinals.
Bills’ Defensive Depth Tested Early
The Bills are already feeling the effects of injuries at defensive end, and Smoot’s absence adds further pressure to the unit. In Week 1, the Bills elevated practice squad defensive end Kameron Cline and handed a larger role to Casey Toohill, compensating for Smoot’s absence. This rotation may continue as the Bills look for depth to support their pass rush.
Smoot joined the Bills after spending seven years with the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he became a reliable pass rusher. His versatility allowed him to play both inside and outside, and during his time in Jacksonville, he appeared in 99 regular season games and five playoff contests.
As noted by John Shipley of SI.com, Smoot’s development in Jacksonville made him one of the team’s more consistent performers on the defensive line.
“A third-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, Smoot appeared in 90 games for the Jaguars over his first six seasons, recording 22.5 sacks, 27 tackles for loss, and four forced fumbles,” Shipley wrote. “One of the best developmental stories in recent Jaguars history, Smoot became one of the Jaguars’ most reliable pass rushers in recent seasons.”
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Greg Rousseau Steps Up for Bills
Despite Smoot’s absence, the Bills showcased an impressive pass rush in their Week 1 victory over the Arizona Cardinals. Defensive end Greg Rousseau had a breakout performance, registering 3.0 sacks, a forced fumble, and six total tackles in the 34-28 win. Rousseau’s dominant game earned him AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors.
Head coach Sean McDermott praised Rousseau’s hard work and dedication after the game.
“Big time day. Big time day,” McDermott said. “I love that he carried over to the game what he had shown in training camp and in the last couple of weeks in practice. That’s big. When you can take how you do things from practice and do it in the game, that’s a mindset, right? And so, I think that’s all also growth and maturation in and of itself.”
Bills Dealing with Multiple Injuries on Short Week
As the Bills prepare for a key divisional matchup, they face more than just Smoot’s absence. Nickel cornerback Taron Johnson has already been ruled out after suffering an arm injury early in the win over the Cardinals. Head coach Sean McDermott has hinted that Johnson may be placed on injured reserve, which would sideline him for at least four weeks.
The Bills’ defensive depth will be tested as they gear up for the Dolphins. With injuries stacking up on a short week, Buffalo’s defense will rely heavily on players like Rousseau and other reserves to step up and fill the gaps.
