The Buffalo Bills will head into Saturday’s Divisional Round clash with the Denver Broncos without two key contributors: running back Ty Johnson and linebacker Terrel Bernard. Both have officially been ruled out-Johnson with an ankle injury, Bernard with a calf issue-and their absences could have ripple effects on both sides of the ball.
Johnson’s role in the passing game has grown in recent weeks, giving Josh Allen a reliable check-down option and a burst of speed out of the backfield. Without him, the Bills may lean more heavily on their top backs in traditional sets, or turn to other depth options to fill the void in passing situations. Bernard, meanwhile, has been a steady presence at linebacker, and his absence could test the depth of Buffalo’s defensive front, especially in containing Denver’s short-yardage and intermediate passing game.
There is some good news for the Bills, though. Defensive tackle Ed Oliver and wide receiver Curtis Samuel are both active and ready to go. That’s a big boost for a team looking to make another deep postseason run.
Oliver’s return is particularly significant. Injuries limited him to just three games during the regular season, but when healthy, he’s a disruptive force on the interior line. His ability to collapse the pocket and clog running lanes could be a game-changer against a Denver offense that’s shown flashes of explosiveness but has struggled with consistency.
Samuel, who played in only six regular season games, brings versatility and speed to Buffalo’s receiving corps. He’s the kind of player who can create mismatches in motion, out of the slot, or even on gadget plays-something offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey could look to exploit early to keep Denver’s defense honest.
As for Josh Allen, he was on the injury report earlier this week with foot, knee, and finger issues, but he practiced fully and is expected to be near full strength. That’s huge for Buffalo. Allen’s mobility, arm strength, and improvisational ability are the engine of this offense, and a healthy version of No. 17 gives the Bills a fighting chance against anyone.
Buffalo enters this game aiming for its second consecutive trip to the AFC Championship Game and its third in the last six seasons. The team has been knocking on the door of a Super Bowl berth for years, and this postseason feels like another shot at breaking through.
On the other sideline, the Broncos are chasing their first playoff win since their Super Bowl 50 triumph. That’s a long drought for a franchise with a proud postseason history, and they’ll be motivated to flip the script after last year’s Wild Card Round, when the Bills rolled to a dominant 31-7 win.
This rematch promises to be a physical, high-stakes battle in the Mile High City. With key players returning-and others sidelined-the chess match between these two AFC contenders is about to get real.