The Buffalo Bills are getting some much-needed reinforcements at just the right time.
Heading into their divisional-round showdown with the Denver Broncos, the Bills officially activated defensive tackle Ed Oliver and wide receiver Curtis Samuel off injured reserve. Both are expected to suit up Saturday afternoon, and their return couldn’t come at a better moment for a team that’s been grinding through a tough stretch of injuries on both sides of the ball.
Let’s start with Oliver. The disruptive interior lineman hasn’t played since Week 8, when he tore his bicep against the Panthers. That alone would’ve sidelined most players for the rest of the season, but Oliver’s path back was even more complicated - he also underwent a knee scope to address a meniscus issue during rehab.
Despite those setbacks, Oliver’s ahead of schedule. And while we don’t know exactly how many snaps he’ll get against Denver, don’t expect him to be thrown into the deep end right away.
The Bills have always leaned into a heavy rotation up front, and that approach is tailor-made for easing Oliver back into game speed. Even in a do-or-die playoff setting, Buffalo knows the value of keeping their D-line fresh - especially when a player hasn’t seen live action in months.
Oliver’s presence alone could be a game-changer. He’s not just a space-eater in the middle - he brings pass-rush juice and quickness that can collapse pockets and disrupt timing. Against a Broncos offense that thrives on rhythm, that kind of interior pressure could be huge.
On the other side of the ball, the return of Curtis Samuel gives Buffalo’s offense a badly needed jolt. The wide receiver corps has been razor-thin, with only Khalil Shakir, rookie Keon Coleman, and veteran Brandin Cooks healthy on the active roster. Samuel’s versatility - lining up outside, in the slot, or even taking snaps out of the backfield - gives offensive coordinator Joe Brady a valuable chess piece.
Add in Mecole Hardman, who’s been elevated from the practice squad, and the Bills suddenly have five healthy receivers heading into Saturday. That’s a big shift from recent weeks, where depth was a real concern.
Samuel brings more than just depth, though. His short-area quickness and ability to create separation underneath could be a key outlet for Josh Allen, especially if Denver’s pass rush starts heating up. He’s also a threat on jet sweeps and designed touches, which could help keep the Broncos defense honest and open up lanes for the rest of the offense.
Bottom line: the Bills are getting healthier at the right time - and not just with any players, but with two guys who can directly impact the outcome of a playoff game. Oliver gives the defense another weapon in the trenches, and Samuel helps balance out a receiver group that’s been stretched thin.
With everything on the line, Buffalo’s reinforcements could make all the difference.