With the Divisional Round showdown against the Denver Broncos looming on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. EST, the Buffalo Bills are getting some key reinforcements back at just the right time. Defensive tackle Ed Oliver and wide receiver Curtis Samuel have both been activated from Injured Reserve, signaling their return to action and potentially giving Buffalo a much-needed boost on both sides of the ball.
Let’s start with Oliver - a disruptive force when healthy and a major piece of this Bills defense. He’s been sidelined for most of the 2025 season, recovering from surgery to repair a torn biceps that landed him on IR in late October. During his rehab, he also had to undergo a procedure to address meniscus damage, adding another hurdle to an already difficult road back.
If he suits up on Saturday, it’ll mark Oliver’s first game action since October 26, when the Bills visited the Carolina Panthers. He only appeared in three regular-season contests this year - Weeks 1, 6, and 8 - but when he was on the field, he made his presence felt.
In those limited appearances, Oliver racked up 12 tackles (10 solo), seven tackles for loss, five quarterback hits, three sacks, and a forced fumble. That’s elite-level production in a small sample size, and it’s exactly the kind of interior disruption Buffalo will be counting on against a Denver offense that likes to establish rhythm early.
On the offensive side, Curtis Samuel is also poised to return after battling through an injury-riddled season of his own. The dynamic receiver was limited to just six games in 2025, dealing with elbow and neck issues that eventually landed him on IR.
He hasn’t played since Week 11 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but with his versatility and speed, Samuel adds an element to the Bills’ offense that’s been sorely missed. His stat line on the season - seven catches for 81 yards and a touchdown - doesn’t reflect his full impact, especially considering how he can be used as a motion threat, slot weapon, and gadget player in Ken Dorsey’s system.
With Gabe Davis and Tyrell Shavers both out for the season due to ACL injuries, Buffalo is thin at wide receiver. That’s where Mecole Hardman Jr. comes in. The team has elevated the return specialist and speedster from the practice squad, and he brings postseason experience and a game-breaking element that could tilt the field in Buffalo’s favor on special teams or in gadget packages.
Also elevated is rookie running back Frank Gore Jr., who adds depth to a backfield that’s suddenly looking a bit shaky. Ty Johnson is questionable for Saturday’s game, and with the stakes this high, the Bills aren’t taking any chances. Gore gives them another option behind James Cook and Latavius Murray, and while he’s untested in playoff action, the coaching staff clearly sees enough in him to trust him with a spot on the game-day roster.
All told, these roster moves are more than just names on a list - they’re strategic reinforcements for a team that’s endured its fair share of attrition this season. With a trip to the AFC Championship on the line, the Bills are getting healthier at just the right time, and that could make all the difference come Saturday afternoon in Denver.