Buffalo has one of the top defenses in the league this season, ranking near the top in several key statistical categories. But with the high-flying Cowboys offense coming to town this weekend, the Bills will find themselves having to make up for the absence of two of their biggest defensive playmakers.
Safety Micah Hyde and defensive end A.J. Epenesa have both been ruled out of Sunday’s Week 15 date with the Cowboys. The news was confirmed by Bills head coach Sean McDermott Friday morning.
Both players were hurt during last Sunday’s win over Kansas City and had been considered “week-to-week” by the club.
A.J. Epenesa and Micah Hyde have been ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sean McDermott says on WGR.
— Matt Parrino (@MattParrino) December 15, 2023
Hyde left the Bills’ Week 14 game with a neck stinger. The team has indicated that this latest injury is related to a hit he took in early November. The 11-year veteran had been trying to play through that issue ever since, though he missed Week 10 because of the injury. Hyde also missed all but two games in 2022 with a neck injury.
Epenesa suffered a rib injury in the same game versus the Chiefs, on a first-quarter play in which he tipped a Patrick Mahomes pass and then came down with the interception.
The Bills defense currently stands tied for second in the league with 23 takeaways. Hyde and Epenesa each have accounted for two picks; Epenesa has also forced and recovered a fumble. They have been in on a combined 68 tackes and 13 passes defensed, with Epenesa adding 6.5 sacks and 10 quarterback hits.
Their unavailability for Sunday’s game is of considerable consequence in a game both clubs are treating as a must-win.
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Taylor Rapp figures to be the replacement for Hyde, with Damar Hamlin likely getting a few extra reps, too. Epenesa’s absence could mean more work for Von Miller. The eight-time pro Bowler hasn’t played more than 27 snaps in a game since coming back from an ACL injury suffered last November.
Beside ranking second in the NFL in takeaways, Buffalo is tied for third leaguewide in sacks and is top-10 in total touchdowns allowed, fewest passing yards allowed per game, and fewest points allowed per game.
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