As the Buffalo Bills begin the long offseason after another gut-wrenching playoff exit, the focus isn’t just on what went wrong in the postseason - it’s also squarely on the health of their franchise quarterback, Josh Allen.
Allen, who’s been the heartbeat of Buffalo’s offense since arriving in 2018, once again played through pain down the stretch. According to general manager Brandon Beane, the star QB was battling more than just opposing defenses late in the year. Foot, finger, and knee issues all piled up, but Allen kept suiting up and delivering - a testament to his toughness and leadership.
At a press conference following the Bills’ 33-30 overtime loss to the Denver Broncos, Beane didn’t shy away from the injury discussion. He acknowledged that Allen “played through pain” during the closing stretch of the season and revealed that a foot procedure is on the table this offseason.
The good news for Bills fans? If Allen does go under the knife, the expectation is that he’ll be ready in time for Organized Team Activities (OTAs) this spring.
That’s a critical detail. Any time a quarterback - especially one as central to a team's identity as Allen - faces surgery, alarm bells start to ring.
But Beane’s timeline suggests this would be more of a maintenance move than a major setback. The Bills appear to be planning with confidence that Allen will be fully involved in the offseason program, which is key for a team looking to retool and reload for another run in 2026.
Allen’s foot injury became more visible as the season wore on, particularly during the Week 16 matchup against the Cleveland Browns. Even in obvious discomfort, he continued to carry the offense, showcasing the grit that’s become synonymous with his game. The fact that the issue flared up again during the playoffs likely prompted the team’s medical staff to consider a more proactive solution heading into the offseason.
This isn’t the first time Allen has played through pain, and it probably won’t be the last. His physical style - a blend of power running and big-play passing - puts him in harm’s way more often than most quarterbacks.
But what sets him apart is how consistently he answers the bell. He started every game in 2025, extending his streak of durability in a league where dual-threat quarterbacks often struggle to stay upright for a full season.
What we’re seeing now is the other side of that coin: the wear and tear that comes with being the engine of the offense, the guy who refuses to come off the field no matter how banged up he is. It’s a reminder that even the toughest players need time to heal - and sometimes, a procedure to get back to 100%.
Still, the Bills remain optimistic. They know what they have in Josh Allen: a warrior, a leader, and one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the league. If a foot procedure is what it takes to get him back to full strength, they’ll take that trade every time - especially if it means he’s back under center in time to lead the charge in 2026.
For now, Buffalo enters the offseason with questions to answer and wounds to heal. But as long as No. 17 is on track for spring workouts, the belief in Orchard Park won’t waver.