Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN/WGR 550) - The availability of Bills quarterback Josh Allen to play this Sunday continues to look more-and-more bleak, as Buffalo gets ready to face the 7-1 Minnesota Vikings at Highmark Stadium.
Earlier in the week, Bills head coach Sean McDermott had considered his starting quarterback as "day-to-day", but would not give many more details into his playing status for Sunday's contest, or whether or not he would seek anymore medical advise on his right elbow.
The 26-year-old has missed the past two days of practice, and was not even on the sidelines of the practice field with his teammates for the open portion of practice for the media. Usually when a player is a non-participant for two-straight practices to start a game week, it's not a good sign for their availability come game day.
Allen suffered the injury to his throwing elbow late in this past Sunday's game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium when he was hit while attempting a throw down the field. As a result of the hit, his arm bent back awkwardly, which was apparent on his next throwing attempt when he grimaced in pain while grabbing his right arm and elbow.
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Given the current knowledge of the status of Allen's elbow injury, how nervous is that making Bills fans across Western New York? For many Bills fans, it's certainly an uneasy feeling going forward.
"Really nervous. I mean, we've got a ton of injuries this year. If he doesn't play, as long as he's healthy going forward, keep him out a week, that's fine," said Bills fan Tim from Buffalo.
"Very nervous, but hopefully they get the running game together and the defense holds up, and maybe we do OK," added Bills fan Sean from Wheatfield.
While the prognosis of Allen's elbow injury has been reported as a sprain of his ulnar collateral ligament (UCL), not much has been said about whether or not the Bills quarterback can actually play through the sprain and be effective. If Allen is not feeling 100% ready to go this week or for however long it is, some fans believe it would be wise to just sit the fifth-year starter to ensure his long-term health.
"Honestly, I'm now leaning towards the idea of him not playing against the Vikings. I'm more worried about long-term," said Bills fan Dan from West Seneca. "I want him there for the playoffs. Obviously, I want to see him there on Sunday - I'll be there - but I'm focused more long-term for this season. So if he has to sit out a game or two, as much as I want that 1-seed, which we could still get, I'm good with him not playing Sunday."
"I'd love to see Josh out there, but don't want to do further injury. So if he can do it, he knows his own body and his limitations, but if it's gonna get injured further and screw us down the line, you've got to be a little cautious about that," added Bills fan B.J. from Lancaster.
Despite the possibility of Allen not being on the field this coming week, many Bills fans share the same confidence in the team's ability to overcome their starting quarterback's absence to come out with another home victory over a good Vikings group.
"I mean, everyone says we have one of the best overall teams in the league. So roster-wise, we're there. But, man, this league is so QB driven where, I gotta say, I'm a little concerned," Dan said. "As I would like to see Allen rest a little bit, not sure how great we'll do without him."
"Look at the defense, look what they've done. They've been doing a hell of a job this year. So if they can keep that up, then they should be fine," Tim said.
If the Bills are forced to be without Allen come Sunday afternoon, the reins to the offense will be turned over to 34-year-old veteran quarterback Case Keenum. The Bills acquired the journeyman signal caller this offseason from the Cleveland Browns, and has plenty of experience being called upon in similar situations to this.
While it may not be the most ideal situation to some Bills fans, others are confident that Keenum can do a good enough job to help move the ball enough down the field and score some points.
"I feel like he'll be OK. We put him out there for a reason, and he'll do it," said Bills fan Jake from Buffalo.
However, Keenum does have his detractors, as some Bills fans either don't know enough of what he can bring to the table, or are not confident that he can bring the same success to a Bills group that rides on Allen week-in and week-out.
"We have a good lineup, but just Keenum, I don't know. He's never proven himself yet here in Buffalo. So I don't know," said Bills fan Jacob from Buffalo.
"The best coaching comment I can give on Keenum is just hand the ball off. That's all. Keep handing the ball off," Sean added.
Leading up to the 2022 season, many Bills fans would likely agree that a top goal for the year was finish the campaign with the best overall record in the AFC, clinching a No. 1 seed for the playoffs. Not only would that ensure a first round bye for the Bills, but also that no matter what, the road to the Super Bowl would have to go through Buffalo.
However, given the health of Allen and the possibility of him missing some time, the hopes of the No. 1 seed in the playoffs may get a bit tougher to accomplish. That's where most Bills fans are fine with Allen getting as healthy as possible to be ready for a playoff push, no matter where that road may lead.
"If they can say that whatever's going on there, you're good to go, slinging that ball 80 yards, you can get hit, run as hard as he can. This team is unstoppable when he's leading it, and as much as I would love the No. 1 seed to have the playoffs come through Buffalo, which I still think they will, having Josh at 100% is what makes us really unstoppable," B.J. said.
"Hopefully it's not a long-term injury, so you can get him in for a few games before the playoffs start. But if it is something like if he had to rest the rest of the season and jump into the playoffs to take us through it, that'd be great. But I think that we need him to finish up the season strong," Sean added.
While many Bills fans are still optimistic about the No. 1 seed in the playoffs going forward, a few fans would rather prefer the No. 1 seed, even if Allen is not quite 100% down the stretch.
"If we end up with the 1-seed, that probably means that he's still getting the job done while playing, meaning maybe the elbow's not affecting them that bad. I mean, I want that 1-seed, I want the playoffs to come through Buffalo. That's a tough question, but if we get that 1-seed with him playing through what he has, I think I'd almost rather that," Dan said.
Hear more from Bills fans on their concerns with Allen's elbow injury available in the player below: