Buffalo Bills defensive end Shaq Lawson could play a more prominent role this Sunday against the Miami Dolphins. With a lingering injury hindering starter Jerry Hughes, Lawson would be the next man up to fill the void.
“I’ve been ready for the opportunity,” Lawson said to NYUP. Hughes, who is currently dealing with a groin injury, is questionable for Sunday’s contest. Hughes did not practice on Friday.
Lawson is looking forward to the possibility of getting the start this weekend.
“I prepare every week like a starter. I was a starter here before and started a lot of games here last year. I hope he can go but if he can’t go, I just be ready, Lawson said.
Lawson has been lauded for his production against the run. However, he’s been disruptive against the pass, leading the Bills with 11 quarterback pressures. He has registered 16 total tackles and two sacks on the season as well.
No matter what role he participates, the fourth-year-pro recognizes that he needs to play well for the Bills.
“It don’t change nothing at all,” he said. “Just an opportunity to show some more of me. Getting an extra few plays. I just have to go out there and do my job, do my 1/11th, affect the run and affect the run game.”
Lawson entered this season understanding that it would be significant in his career, calling the season a “do or die” year for him when interviewed in June. After all, Buffalo declined to pick up the 2016 first-round pick’s fifth-year option, leaving his future in a bit of uncertainty.
Lawson is stuck behind Jerry Hughes and Trent Murphy on the defensive end depth chart. Hughes has played 42.5-percent of snaps thus far for the Bills.
Lawson could make a major statement and in turn, push Hughes and Murphy for snaps moving forward.
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