Ed

Oliver

Oliver was returning to the field for the first time since Week 8 after undergoing biceps surgery. The Bills had used him sparingly early in the game, mostly as a pass rusher, but he is their most impactful interior defensive lineman, so losing him for the remainder of the game would be a big blow for this defense.

The Bills activated Oliver along with WR Curtis Samuel (elbow, neck) from injured reserve earlier this week. While Oliver has missed all but three games this year, he recorded a sack in all three of those contests. Even in limited snaps, he should provide run-stuffing ability and pass rush juice while he’s out there.

Oliver and WR Curtis Samuel (elbow/neck) are both being activated today. Samuel cannot reasonably be viewed as a reliable contributor, but the Bills’ wide receiver room is thin. Oliver’s return should have a larger impact on the game. Despite missing much of the season, he ties for third on the team with three sacks. The Bills are also elevating WR Mecole Hardman and RB Frank Gore Jr. from the practice squad.

Oliver and Curtis Samuel, also questionable, are on injured reserve. The Bills have to activate them from injured reserve tomorrow if they are going to play, so we will get more information on them soon. Oliver is the bigger name between the two, but even Samuel could be an important piece in the offense. Tyrell Shavers and Gabe Davis suffered season-ending injuries last week and Josh Palmer was placed on IR ahead of the playoffs. Oliver has only appeared in three games this year. He has a sack in each game.

The Bills will see if they can get him healthy enough to play against the Broncos in the divisional round. The 21-day window will open for Oliver when Buffalo next practices. McDermott gave the same update for Curtis Samuel, who somehow feels desperately needed with Gabe Davis lost to a torn ACL.

Oliver is currently on IR because of a bicep injury. He was initially expected to return early in the playoffs. After injuring his knee during rehab, his timeline has now been pushed back. McDermott didn’t rule him out of the playoffs, but the Bills would likely need to make a deep run for Oliver to see the field again this season.

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.