Josh Allen, the quarterback for the Buffalo Bills, responded to questions on the injury he suffered to his left hand during Sunday’s season-opening victory over the Arizona Cardinals, telling reporters that it won’t affect him going forward.
Releasing himself as a full participant in this week’s practice, Allen played down the seriousness of the injury. He said that the hand felt okay during practice on Tuesday and that he is feeling confident going into the Bills’ Thursday night game against the Miami Dolphins.
Allen remarked, “Just trying to be as normal as possible.” “I think I threw it well today and I’m ready to go because I was able to do everything.”
Allen covered his left hand with a glove during practice to provide additional protection. Though he hasn’t decided if he will wear the glove in the next game, the quarterback said he isn’t completely unfamiliar with the change.
“I played a few cold games a long time ago,” Allen remarked. Therefore, I’m not entirely unfamiliar with it. Just there for a little additional assistance, though.
Josh Allen’s significant performance and the major injury to the Bills prior to the Dolphins game
Despite the injury, Allen’s play was crucial to the 34-17 victory over the Cardinals. He threw two touchdown touchdowns and finished 18 of 23 attempts for 232 yards. In addition, the dual-threat quarterback made an impact on the run, accumulating 39 yards and two scores on the ground. In an otherwise strong performance, his sole significant error came during a blunder in the first half.
Head coach of the Buffalo Bills, Sean McDermott, expressed hope regarding Allen’s preparedness for Thursday as well, pointing out that he participated fully in practices this week. On the other hand, McDermott declared that defensive end Dawuane Smoot and cornerback Taron Johnson will not be playing against the Dolphins. The Bills defense may suffer as a result of both players’ absence, especially when facing Miami’s formidable offense and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
Allen, for his part, is still focused on playing at his customary caliber. In order to make sure he is prepared for Miami, a crucial AFC East divisional opponent, the organization has taken the appropriate safety measures.
Allen’s ability to bounce back from setbacks has become a trademark. The quarterback, who is renowned for his rugged style of play, has frequently overcome injuries without experiencing appreciable drops in output. Allen will be essential to the Buffalo Bills’ efforts to establish early momentum in the division on Thursday Night Football as they attempt to build on their Week 1 triumph.
**Thursday Night Showdown: Bills-Dolphins Carries Big Playoff Stakes**
Since Tom Brady’s departure from the Patriots, the Buffalo Bills have dominated the AFC East, winning four straight division titles and trailing only the Kansas City Chiefs in overall NFL victories since 2020. Meanwhile, the Miami Dolphins, despite four consecutive winning seasons and back-to-back playoff appearances, have struggled against Buffalo, with just one win in their last nine meetings, including the 2022 playoffs. The Bills hold a commanding 13-2 series advantage over the Dolphins since 2017, making Thursday’s game (8:15 p.m. ET on Prime Video) in Miami Gardens crucial for both teams. Miami is seeking its first win against Buffalo since 2022 and an early edge in the race for its first division title since 2008.
Tua Tagovailoa on narrative Dolphins can’t beat Bills pic.twitter.com/1DB9Fz7h7B
— Joe Schad (@schadjoe) September 10, 2024
The Dolphins had a shot to end their division title drought last January but fell short in a Week 18 game against Buffalo. Despite Josh Allen’s three turnovers, he led the Bills to a 21-14 victory, securing the second seed in the AFC and pushing Miami to sixth place. Both teams opened the season with comebacks: Buffalo overcame a 17–3 deficit against the Arizona Cardinals to win 34–28, and Miami edged out the Jaguars 20–17 with a last-second field goal after trailing 17–7 at halftime. The Dolphins were missing key players, including defensive tackle Christian Wilkins and guard Robert Hunt, yet still pressured Trevor Lawrence effectively.
For Miami, Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle both surpassed 100 receiving yards in Week 1, while running back De’Von Achane contributed 76 receiving yards but is a game-time decision with an ankle injury. Raheem Mostert has been ruled out. Buffalo, playing without star receiver Stefon Diggs, relied on rookie Keon Coleman, who led the team with 51 yards, while Allen threw touchdowns to Khalil Shakir and Mack Hollins. However, the Bills’ defense struggled without linebacker Matt Milano, and cornerback Taron Johnson is out for Week 2.
Dolphins RB Raheem Mostert (chest) is OUT for Thursday's game vs the Bills, per Mike McDaniel
RB De'Von Achane will be a game time decision
— Marcel Louis-Jacques (@Marcel_LJ) September 11, 2024
This early-season clash is expected to be high-scoring, with Miami favored by 2.5 points, and a total of 48.5 points predicted. The two teams will meet again in Week 9, and Thursday’s result could prove critical in the AFC East race, offering either Miami a chance to take the lead or Buffalo an opportunity to reaffirm its dominance.
