The Buffalo Bills are activating two players from the injured reserve ahead of their Divisional Round matchup against the Denver Broncos.
The Buffalo Bills are getting some reinforcements for their matchup in the Divisional Round against the Denver Broncos. Buffalo has activated wide receiver Curtis Samuel and defensive tackle Ed Oliver.
This is great news for the Bills, as Samuel gives Josh Allen another weapon on offense and Oliver is a crucial part of the defense.
Samuel has been sidelined since mid-November with an elbow injury, while Oliver has been missing since late October after suffering a torn left biceps injury and meniscus damage during his rehab.
"It's just a long time coming," Oliver said when returning to practice. "I kind of just stayed the course even when the tunnel seemed dark and the light at the end of the tunnel seemed so far away.
Brett Davis-Imagn ImagesOliver was off to a hot start in the three games he played, posting 12 total tackles, three sacks, seven tackles for loss, and five quarterback hits. His pass-rush ability will help Buffalo get pressure on Broncos quarterback Bo Nix.
For the offense, Samuel is a versatile weapon who could help Allen and the Bills' offense. In six games this season, he had seven receptions for 81 yards and a touchdown.
In 14 games in the 2024 season, Samuel contributed 31 receptions for 253 yards and a touchdown.
The Bills will welcome both players back as they will need an all-around team effort to get past the No. 1 seed Broncos in Denver.
The Broncos went 14-3 in the regular season, led by their elite defense. That poses a challenge for Allen and Buffalo's offense.
However, the Bills have quarterback Josh Allen on their side, and the reigning MVP has proven he can rise to the occasion.
Allen was instrumental in Buffalo's win over the Jacksonville Jaguars in the Wild Card Round, completing 28 of 35 passes for 273 yards, a touchdown, and no interceptions. He also rushed for 33 yards and two touchdowns.
While the Bills will be leaning on Allen, getting Oliver and Samuel back should help the team as they head to the Mile High City with a trip to the AFC Title Game on the line.