Week 5 is approaching fast for the Buffalo Bills as they prepare to take on the Houston Texans on the road. The Bills have performed like one of the top teams in the league through the first four games, but doubts have resurfaced after their disappointing loss to the Baltimore Ravens last weekend.
Thursday injury report pic.twitter.com/dtYqcnKLqw
— Buffalo Bills PR (@BuffaloBillsPR) October 3, 2024
One of the key factors contributing to the Bills’ defeat was the string of injuries that have plagued them since the offseason. It began when linebacker Matt Milano tore his bicep during training camp, sidelining him for most of the season. In Week 1, cornerback Taron Johnson also went down with an injury, forcing the Bills to rely on Cam Lewis to fill the gap in the secondary. Things worsened in Week 2 when star linebacker Terrel Bernard suffered a pectoral injury, keeping him out for the past two games.
With two starting linebackers and a crucial cornerback out, the Bills struggled to match up against the Ravens. However, there is hope that Bernard and Johnson are nearing their return, potentially giving the defense a boost soon.
On Thursday, the Buffalo Bills Communications Department shared an updated injury report, raising further concerns for Bills fans ahead of the Texans game.
In particular, injuries to key players Dion Dawkins and Ed Oliver are particularly alarming. Both players are dealing with hamstring injuries, a type of injury that can take a long time to heal properly. Although they were listed as limited participants in practice, there’s uncertainty about whether they’ll be fully fit by game day. Hamstring injuries often sideline athletes for several weeks, and even if they are cleared to play, there’s a risk they won’t be at 100% capacity.
The Bills face a dangerous pass rush from the Texans, led by Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter, so they must carefully assess whether Dawkins, a key offensive tackle, is ready to handle the challenge without risking further injury. On the defensive side, losing Ed Oliver would be another huge setback for a defense already hit hard by injuries. Oliver’s performance hasn’t been as dominant this season as it was last year, but his presence on the field still makes a significant impact. Alongside DaQuan Jones, Oliver helps anchor the Bills’ run defense, and his absence would leave a noticeable void in the middle of the line.
As long as Oliver and Dawkins don’t suffer any setbacks before Sunday’s game, they are expected to suit up. However, fans should temper their expectations, as the hamstring injuries could limit their effectiveness. Even though both players are likely to play, the lingering injury concerns cast a shadow of uncertainty over the Bills’ performance heading into Week 5.
