The Buffalo Bills are staring at a potentially devastating defensive setback as their standout defensive tackle Ed Oliver appears headed for an extended stint on the sidelines following what sources describe as a suspected torn biceps.
MRI Set to Reveal Full Damage
Oliver, who turned 27 this year, will undergo an MRI on Monday that should paint a clearer picture of what the Bills are dealing with. The talented interior lineman was forced out of Sunday’s hard-fought road win over Carolina late in the second quarter when the injury occurred. Early assessments point to a lengthy recovery timeline ahead.
Bills’ Defensive Front Takes Another Hit
This latest blow deepens what’s already become a concerning trend for Buffalo’s defensive tackle depth this season. The unit has been ravaged by injuries, and Oliver’s potential absence creates yet another headache for a defense that’s been patching holes along the interior line for weeks.
A Growing List of Casualties
The Bills’ defensive tackle room reads like a medical report this season:
- DeWayne Carter went down for the year with a torn Achilles – a crushing blow early on.
- Oliver himself had already missed four games dealing with an ankle problem.
- Rookie T.J. Sanders, who showed promise early, remains stuck on injured reserve nursing a knee issue.
- Veteran DaQuan Jones pulled up lame with a calf injury during pregame warmups back in Week 6, forcing him to miss the Atlanta matchup.
Thin at the Position Going into Week 9
As things stand heading into Week 9’s action, Buffalo finds itself with just two healthy defensive tackles on the active roster:
- Rookie one-technique Deone Walker
- Veteran backup Larry Ogunjobi
Even if the team decides to elevate practice squad defensive tackle Jordan Phillips to the main roster, that still leaves them with only three bodies at a position where depth matters immensely.
Front Office Likely Weighing Options
With their tackle rotation decimated, don’t be surprised if Buffalo starts making calls around the league this week. One name that keeps surfacing is Harrison Phillips from the New York Jets – a player who knows Buffalo’s system inside and out after spending four seasons there before heading to free agency.
The Bills’ shopping list doesn’t end with defensive tackle help, either. Word is they’re also keeping tabs on potential additions at safety and wide receiver, areas where they could use some reinforcement as well.
Oliver’s injury couldn’t have come at a worse time for Buffalo’s defense, and the team’s response to this latest challenge will likely shape how their season unfolds.
