Josh Allen Expected to Play in Week 17 After Scare vs. Browns
The Buffalo Bills can breathe a little easier heading into Week 17. Quarterback Josh Allen, who gave fans a scare with a foot injury in the win over the Cleveland Browns, is expected to suit up for the Bills’ critical matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Head coach Sean McDermott addressed Allen’s status, saying there were “no setbacks” and that the quarterback is “just sore.” Allen underwent X-rays at halftime of Sunday’s game but won’t need any further testing, according to McDermott.
That’s a big sigh of relief for Buffalo, especially considering how the injury unfolded. Allen was scrambling near his own goal line, trying to avoid a safety, when he went down awkwardly with defenders closing in. He limped off the field with the training staff just before halftime, and there was visible concern as he left the sideline early.
But here’s the key: Allen didn’t miss a snap. He played through the discomfort and finished the game, throwing for 130 yards as the Bills edged out a gritty 23-20 win. It wasn’t a stat-sheet stuffer, but it was enough to get the job done-and that’s exactly where Allen’s mindset is right now.
“We feel like we’re in playoff mode now,” Allen said after the game. “It’s just ‘Find a way to win a football game.’
Obviously, it wasn’t the prettiest way we can win. We have some stuff to clean up, but we’ll take a victory.”
That quote says a lot about where this team is mentally. December football in the NFL is about survival as much as it is about style points.
The Bills know they’re in the thick of the postseason race, and every snap matters. Having Allen on the field-even at less than 100%-gives Buffalo a fighting chance against anyone.
The timing of this injury scare couldn’t have been worse, but the outcome could’ve been far more damaging. With the Eagles up next and the AFC playoff picture tightening by the week, the Bills need their leader under center. Allen’s toughness has never been in question, and once again, he’s proving why he’s one of the most competitive-and resilient-quarterbacks in the league.
The road to the playoffs is far from smooth, especially in a division where teams like the Patriots are still in the mix. But with Allen expected to go in Week 17, the Bills still control their destiny. And that’s all you can ask for in late December.