Ed Oliver will miss Thursday night’s matchup with the Lions after a hip injury knocked the Bills defensive lineman out during warmups for Buffalo’s home opener.
The team made Oliver’s status known before it released its 48-man active gameday roster 90 minutes before the 8:15 p.m. kickoff. He’s one of three Bills listed as inactive after entering the day with an injury designation.
Defensive lineman T.J. Sanders, who was dealing with a knee injury and illness, and running back Ty Johnson, who had a hamstring issue, were also ruled out.
Both had been questionable on the injury report. Buffalo’s other inactive players are all rookies: wide receiver Skyler Bell, safety Jalon Kilgore, and offensive tackles Jde Bowry and Ar’maj Reed-Adams.
There was better news on the defensive side with safety Cole Bishop active despite being listed as questionable because of knee and groin injuries that limited him during the short practice week.
Buffalo also got two practice-squad elevations for the second straight game. Wide receiver and punt returner Greg Dortch and running back Frank Gore are both active again.
With Oliver and Sanders unavailable, Buffalo is expected to lean on Landon Jackson, Deone Walker, DeWayne Carter and Greg Gaines up front.
Detroit is shorthanded on its offensive line as well. The Lions ruled out rookie offensive tackle Blake Miller, who is dealing with a knee injury, and guard Christian Mahogany, who has a hip injury.
Cornerback D.J. Reed was questionable Wednesday because of a foot issue.
Miller, the No. 17 overall pick, had not missed a game at Clemson and still played through the knee injury in his NFL debut, an overtime win over New Orleans on Sunday. Mahogany was hurt early in that game.
The Lions have some veteran depth available to cover for both spots. Mahogany was replaced by 28-year-old Ben Bartch against the Saints, while Larry Borom, who has 38 career starts, is expected to step in at right tackle for Miller against Buffalo.
Detroit’s top free-agent addition, center Cade Mays, has been on injured reserve for nearly a month with a wrist injury.
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