The Bills are getting a useful piece back at the right time.
Ty Johnson is set to make his debut on Friday after missing time with a hamstring issue tied to the Bills’ “Return of the Red and Blue” practice back in August. Buffalo had been working with James Cook, Ray Davis, and Frank Gore Jr. as its top three backs over the last two games, but Johnson’s return gives the backfield a full complement again.
That matters because Johnson brings more than just another name to the rotation. Since arriving in Buffalo in 2023, he’s shown he can do damage as a runner and as a receiving option, while also giving Josh Allen solid protection in the backfield. That kind of all-around utility fits neatly into Joe Brady’s offense.
He’s also been a reliable presence. Before this season, Johnson hadn’t missed a game for the Bills over the last two years, a good sign of how durable he’s been until this summer setback.
His role usually shows up in the moments that decide drives: third downs, whether the offense needs one yard or ten. In those situations, he has enough physicality to help push the chains, and his 53 total first downs on the ground and through the air over the last two seasons speak to how often he’s been able to deliver.
Buffalo may need that versatility even more in Week 3. With wide receivers Keon Coleman and DJ Moore both listed as questionable for tomorrow, Johnson could see more chances in the passing game, especially out in the flat if one or both are limited.
The matchup also leaves room for him to matter. The Chargers are allowing 262.5 passing yards per game and 86.5 rushing yards per game, though some of that defensive strain has been tied to their offense not meeting expectations. Even so, there’s an opening for Johnson to contribute alongside Cook.
For the Bills, getting Johnson back eases some of the burden on the offense. And with this game carrying the feel of a potential trap because of how bad the Chargers have been, Buffalo may need every bit of help it can get to avoid an upset in front of the home crowd.
In Other News...
Bills 3-0 Start Now Comes With A Josh Allen Concern
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The Bills are moving on to their next matchup with the New England Patriots, but Allens knee will be watched closely as the week unfolds. For a team sitting at 3-0, the larger picture is obvious: the record looks clean, but the health of the quarterback driving it is now part of the story. [Read more 🡒]
Josh Allen Is One Score Away From A Bills Milestone
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Allens 1-yard rushing touchdown in Week 3 tied him with Thurman Thomas and Andre Reed for the most scrimmage touchdowns in franchise history at 87, a reminder of how much he has already added to the teams record book. He still finished the day with two interceptions, but the Bills keep moving forward with Allen now sitting one score away from standing alone atop one of the franchises most notable milestones. [Read more 🡒]
Bills Win Sparked Ugly Chargers Backlash Around Harbaughs Staff
The Chargers came out of their loss to the Bills carrying plenty of frustration, and not just because the defense forced five turnovers and still watched the offense manage only 10 points. Buffalo's latest win over Los Angeles only deepened the sense that this matchup has become a sore spot for a Chargers team that could not turn mistakes into enough production to stay in control.
Breiden Fehoko turned that frustration public, taking aim at the coaching staff's play-calling on social media, while Jim Harbaugh acknowledged the team's struggles and kept his focus on the collective nature of wins and losses. For Buffalo, the result was another convincing edge in a series that has gone the Bills' way three straight times, but for the Chargers the bigger issue is how quickly the criticism around Harbaugh's staff is starting to spill into the open. [Read more 🡒]