The Buffalo Bills defense was missing some key pieces in their loss against the New England Patriots on Sunday.
With several defenders added to the injured reserve list in the last couple weeks, it was compounded with news that starting defensive tackle Ed Oliver would be out in Week 7 due to a toe injury.
Oliver has been one of the best interior pass-rushers in the NFL this season. It was a difference-making blow for the Bills (4-3).
Drafted in 2019, he has consistently pressured opposing quarterbacks into mistakes, and in 2022 had the second-highest pressure rate among his position in the NFL. As for this season, Oliver is on pace to set his career-best sack mark. He had five all the way back in his rookie year, but already has four in 2023.
Teammate Von Miller (knee) is working through his own injury situation. But he knows rushing the passer and he thinks Oliver ranks among one of the best in football at it.
“He’s the point guard – it goes as Ed goes. He’s one of the best guys in the league.” said Miller via video conference.
The All-Pro edge defender recently rejoined Buffalo’s defense after being one of the key injuries at the start of the season–but his stemmed over from 2022 which ended his year.
Such a serious injury takes time to get back in form, but Buffalo will hope to see peak Oliver and Miller firing on all cylinders as soon as possible this season.
But will that happen on Thursday?
First, one step at a time.
With such a short turnaround between the loss on Sunday and Buffalo’s next game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-3), coach Sean McDermott said on Oliver’s return “it’s going to be close” in terms of Oliver being able to play.
So far this week, both Oliver and Miller have been listed as limited participants in practice on Monday and Tuesday, as Miller was held to only six snaps played last week.
With such a short timeline, they could go either way by Thursday.
Bills Wire will continue to provide all injury updates ahead of kickoff.
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