The Buffalo Bills are beginning to play some of their best football at this point of the season. For the final regular season home game of the year, the Buffalo Bills welcome a defensive difference maker who will be looking to make an immediate impact on his return.
Buffalo Bills Returning Starter
For the Buffalo Bills, safety Micah Hyde is going to be available and ready to play Sunday when they face their AFC East rival the New England Patriots.
This much welcomed news, is a great sign for this Sean McDermott led squad. After missing two games due to what is being called a stinger in the neck area, the All Pro Safety appears ready to go.
An important indication, before hearing from coach McDermott was Hyde participating as a full member in practice, out of the red non-contact jersey. It is no secret, when at full health, he is one of the best down hill tacklers, and coverage players from the safety position in the NFL.
Buffalo Bills Injury
During the Buffalo Bills game against the Chiefs, Hyde reaggravated a neck injury that has been bothering him throughout the season. Just before leaving the field, before half, he could be seen holding his arm as he made his way to the sideline. He was spotted on the sideline during the second half, but was not seen with his helmet, indicating that the Buffalo Bills staff knew that his afternoon would be cut short.
While gathering information, and evaluating the nature of the injury, fans were worried that a neck injury that had sidelined him last year, would again potentially doom him to the injured reserve list.
However, as the week was progressing, it became clear that Hyde would be healthy enough to return to action. It looked initially like he may be a game time decision, or at the latest, healthy to play in the season finale, Coach McDermott announced Friday that Hyde would be a full go against the Patriots.
Buffalo Bills Other Notable Returns
The Buffalo Bills received other encouraging news for their defense. Defensive tackle DaQuon Jones will make his long awaited return from the aforementioned inured reserve, and will look to bolster the line play for the Buffalo Bills defense.
Meanwhile the injury status of AJ Epenesa is a continued story to monitor. As of Friday early afternoon, Coach McDermott believes that he is close to returning to play, but it is uncertain if he will be able to play against the Patriots or will have to wait a week against the Miami Dolphins.
While looking almost certain to make the playoffs, there is still an outside chance alive to even win the AFC division. Though the Bills will need to first take care of business against a depleted Patriots team, the Bills can still earn home field advantage. Depending on if the Baltimore Ravens are able to beat the Dolphins, the division title race could get interesting during the last regular season game of the year.