Deonte Harty named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week

Harty's 96-yard punt return touchdown on Sunday helped turn the tide for the Bills in their win over the Dolphins
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Orchard Park, N.Y. (WGR 550) - After playing a key role in Sunday night's AFC East clinching win over the Miami Dolphins in South Florida, Buffalo Bills punt returner Deonte Harty earned some league honors.

Harty was named the Week 18 AFC Special Teams Player of the Week on Wednesday after returning a punt 96 yards for a touchdown in the fourth quarter of Buffalo's 21-14 win over the Dolphins.

The punt return touchdown by Harty set a new franchise record for the Bills, and helped Buffalo tie the game at 14-14 with just under 14 minutes remaining in Sunday's contest. It was the turning point of the game for the Bills, who ended up going on to score the game-winning touchdown drive on their next offensive possession.

The 96-yard touchdown return is also the longest in the NFL since 2021 when Raheem Grant returned a 97-yard punt for a touchdown as a member of the Chicago Bears against the Green Bay Packers.

It is the first time in Harty's career he has earned the honor of AFC Special Teams Player of the Week. He is the second Bills player to earn the honor this season after Reggie Gilliam was named the AFC Special Teams Player of the Week back in Week 11 against the New York Jets.

After joining the Bills this offseason as a free agent signing from the New Orleans Saints, Harty has played in all but one game this season, returning 26 punts and averaging 12.4 yards per-return. He's also been a factor offensively for the Bills with 15 catches for 150 yards and a touchdown.

Harty is the sixth Bills player this season to earn an AFC Player of the Week honor from the NFL this season, joining quarterback Josh Allen (twice), linebacker Terrel Bernard, Gilliam, running back James Cook and cornerback Rasul Douglas.

The Bills will kick off their playoff run this coming Sunday afternoon when they host the Pittsburgh Steelers at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Pack.

Photo credit Losi & Gangi
Featured Image Photo Credit: Bill Ingram - The Palm Beach Post via USA TODAY Sports