After a string of uncertain injury reports and limited activity, Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen is once again listed as a full participant in practice, giving the organization and its fans a clearer picture of his readiness for Sunday’s Wild Card showdown with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Allen‘s foot issue, which was first reported after Week 16, had raised questions about his availability, but continued full sessions this week suggest he’s trending back toward peak health.
Also moving in a positive direction is veteran kicker Matt Prater, whose return to full participation marks a boost for the Bills‘ special teams unit after a midseason quad injury sidelined him.
The tandem of Allen and Prater being fully available for practice this late in the week helps stabilize key areas of Buffalo‘s roster as the stakes rise in the postseason.
Allen‘s presence on the field has been closely monitored ever since he suffered a right foot injury in a victory over the Cleveland Browns late in the regular season.
Despite the injury, he played through Week 17 against the Philadelphia Eagles before the team opted to rest him during the finale against the New York Jets.
In addition to Allen and Prater, linebacker Matt Milano returned to full participation after missing the prior practice due to illness.
Defensive tackle T.J. Sanders was newly listed as a full participant on Thursday’s report as well.
Yet the injury report still shows a mix of statuses across the roster. Linebacker Terrel Bernard (calf), running back Ty Johnson (ankle), and wide receiver Joshua Palmer (ankle) were among those who did not take part.
A group of notable names, including defensive tackle DaQuan Jones (calf), tight end Dalton Kincaid (knee), and linebacker Shaq Thompson (neck), remained limited in practice.
Meanwhile, several defensive players, such as safety Cole Bishop (ribs), defensive end Joey Bosa (hamstring), and defensive back Cam Lewis (toe), continued with full participation designations.
The impact of full practices on Buffalo‘s postseason plans
Allen, the 2024 NFL Most Valuable Player and perennial Pro Bowler, has been the centerpiece of the Bills‘ offense since being drafted seventh overall in 2018, combining a strong arm with mobility that has helped Buffalo compete at the highest level.
Prater‘s presence is no less significant. The 41-year-old kicker signed with the Bills this season after Tyler Bass‘s seasonending surgery and quickly made an impact, including a walkoff field goal to beat the Baltimore Ravens in Week 1.
Although he’s battled injuries himself, Prater‘s practice participation this week is a major step toward having a reliable leg in the kicking game, something that can be pivotal in close playoff contests.
Still, some depth concerns linger for Buffalo‘s defense and special teams. The limited participation of players like Poyer and Kincaid highlights the balancing act head coach Sean McDermott faces as he weighs readiness and recovery.
The Bills will need contributions from all phases to advance in the postseason.