All eyes are onBuffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, who was seen in a walking boot after Sunday’s overtime loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Conflicting reports have been tossed around on the exact nature of Allen’s foot injury — NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport says he’s battling turf toe while head coach Sean McDermott diagnosed it as a foot sprain. Though obviously it’s a major concern for the Bills, who are clinging to the AFC’s seventh and final playoff spot following recent losses to the Buccaneers, New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts.
We’ll learn more on Allen’s status when the Bills return to practice on Wednesday, though apparently the fourth-year quarterback was in attendance for Tuesday night’s production of Hamilton at Shea’s Performing Arts Center in Buffalo, and, according to fellow viewers present, was not walking with a noticeable limp. Allen, who was joined by teammates Jerry Hughes and Mitchell Trubisky, also appears to have scrapped his walking boot, another encouraging sign for his availability this upcoming Sunday against the Carolina Panthers.
Even at less than full strength, Allen was tremendous against Tampa Bay, contributing three touchdowns and 109 rushing yards in a 33-27 heartbreaking loss at Raymond James Stadium.
The loss on Sunday dropped Buffalo to 7-6 on the 2021 season, which many would view as a disappointment after last season’s breakthrough, conquering the mighty Patriots for their first division crown in 25 years. Per analytics site Fivethirtyeight.com, the Bills hold a reasonable 66% playoff probability, but only a 20% chance of unseating New England atop the AFC East.
There’s optimism Allen will suit up this week, but if he can’t go against the Panthers in Week 15, Buffalo would turn to Trubisky, a former second overall pick and one-time Pro Bowler for the Chicago Bears, in the 25-year-old’s stead.
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