Ed

Oliver

Rapoport mentioned the first or second round of the postseason as potential targets for Oliver’s return. He also noted that the Bills are now in the market for defensive line help as the trade deadline approaches. Oliver only appeared in three games this year but recorded one sack in all three contests. He suffered a torn bicep in Week 8 and will miss at least the remainder of the regular season.

It’s almost certain to be an IR stint for Oliver. Buffalo has brought in plenty of depth behind him — Larry Ogunjobi stepped up into a bigger role — but there’s no replacing what Oliver does at his best. It’s a major blow for Buffalo’s defensive ceiling ahead of their Week 9 matchup with the Chiefs.

If the worst is confirmed, this injury would likely end Oliver’s regular season and perhaps his postseason. The veteran lineman will undergo an MRI to confirm, but this is shaping up to be a tough blow to the Bills’ defensive unit. Oliver had just worked his way back from injury in Week 6, and was playing at a high level in the three games he appeared in. On the year, Oliver has totaled 12 tackles, seven TFLs, and three sacks to go with one forced fumble.

Oliver was engaged with an offensive lineman in the second quarter and was trying to make a tackle when his outstretched arm was pulled back behind him. He was taken into the blue medical tent and then immediately ruled out for the remainder of the game. The immediate rule out is usually a bad sign, and the initial fear is for a biceps tear, which would likely land Oliver on the IR. Larry Ogunjobi, fresh off his return from suspension, should get more playing time.

The Bills head into a divisional matchup with the 2-2 Patriots with some notable injuries, Oliver will sit despite a questionable tag. Matt Milano (pectoral) will play on a questionable tag. The Patriots could experience a slight uptick in efficiency on the ground considering the absence of Oliver.

Ditto DL Ed Oliver (ankle) and OL Spencer Brown (calf) — all three of these players got in limited practices on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday ahead of Sunday night football. We’d tentatively expect them all to play given the fact there were no setbacks. Milano and Oliver have not played since Week 2, while Brown missed Week 4 despite practicing on Friday ahead of the game.

Per head coach Doug McDermott, linebacker Matt Milano is also expected to be limited in practice. The Bills lost both defenders after Week 1. Neither player has practiced since, so even a limited session to open the week is a step in the right direction. At 4-0, the Bills don’t need to rush either player back. Drake Maye and the Patriots will be hoping both players take their time while recovering ahead of their Week 5 date on Sunday night.

The Bills will also be without LB Matt Milano, who will miss a second consecutive game with a pectoral injury. Oliver continues to work his way back from an ankle injury he suffered in Week 1, but the team’s decision not to place him on injured reserve suggests he could have a chance to return in Week 5. Oliver was a DNP all week, so any practice in a limited capacity would be an upgrade for him next week.

Oliver is nursing an ankle injury and Milano is rehabbing a pectoral injury. Their absences thin out the Bills’ interior defense, and Dolphins RB De’Von Achane fared well against this unit last year. He’s primed for another big game here. The Bills’ passing offense will survive Samuel’s absence. He has not yet suited up on game day this season.

Oliver, who sustained an ankle injury last week against the Jets, wasn’t able to practice this week and will sit for Thursday night’s divisional showdown against Miami. The Bills’ rush defense — allowing the seventh highest success rate this season — could be somewhat vulnerable without Oliver in the lineup. It could be good news for De’Von Achane, the centerpiece of the Miami offense.