The Buffalo Bills get a quick chance to wipe their memory of a dreadful loss in New England, with a Week 8 matchup around the corner. Head coach Sean McDermott and the Bills will host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Thursday Night Football.
A short week for Buffalo leaves questions about their health and availability, most notably for defensive stars Ed Oliver and Von Miller. Oliver left their Week 7 game against the Patriots with a toe injury, forcing him to the sideline for the week. He initially suffered that injury in Week 6 of the NFL season and did not participate in practice the following days.
McDermott said “it's going to be close” when asked about Oliver's availability in Tuesday's press conference. Oliver leaves a massive hole to fill in the middle of the Bills' line, known as the anchor for that aggressive front. He's tallied four sacks on the season and a team-high nine tackles for loss.
In a more positive response to Von Miller's availability, McDermott stated “I think he's in a good spot.” The decorated veteran may not have the elite athleticism that once earned him a Super Bowl MVP, but a guy like that could always make an impact at any given moment. He's been a leader in Buffalo's locker room from the moment he signed with the organization.
With the loss in New England, the Bills let themselves fall to second place in the AFC East. Thursday's game against the Bucs should be a favorable bounce-back matchup where Buffalo gets aggressive on both ends early. If Oliver and Miller are cleared to play, they can make an immediate impact, but as of right now, it seems Oliver is a toss-up, while Miller has a better chance to suit up.
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