The Buffalo Bills will aim to bounce back when they face the Detroit Lions this Sunday in a crucial game.
Injuries have been a challenge for the Bills throughout the 2024 season, affecting both their offense and defense. However, there is potential for two key defensive players to return just in time for the upcoming matchup with the Lions.
The Bills have activated the 21-day practice windows for linebacker Baylon Spector and defensive tackle Dawuane Smoot, who have been sidelined on injured reserve due to calf and wrist injuries, respectively.
It remains uncertain whether either player will be ready to play on Sunday after just a few days of practice, but their return to the field is a positive development, especially with the playoffs approaching.
Spector, who had primarily served as a backup in his first two seasons, was stepping up as a valuable rotational player in 2024, particularly with Matt Milano out injured. In his nine appearances this season, Spector has registered a career-high 34 tackles and one sack.
Smoot, in his first season with the Bills, has appeared in seven games, contributing significantly when on the field. He has tallied 12 tackles, three tackles-for-loss, and 1.5 sacks so far this year.
The timing of both players’ potential returns is crucial, as the Bills’ pass rush has struggled in recent weeks.
In fact, during last week’s game against the Los Angeles Rams, Buffalo failed to record a single sack.
Getting Spector and Smoot back could
provide a much-needed boost to the defense as they look to stay competitive in the playoff race.