Pittsford, N.Y. (WGR 550) - Buffalo Bills safety Jordan Poyer left practice early on Tuesday with an elbow injury, as the team confirmed later in the day. Poyer went under further evaluation for his injury, but that was the only update given at this time.
The 2021 First-Team All-Pro was injured during a play near the goal line in 11-on-11 action. He immediately grabbed his arm and jogged off the field.
A couple of trainers surrounded Poyer as he was explaining what happened. He then sat on the ground and was in obvious discomfort. Shortly after, he took off his jersey and shoulder pads, as he continued to talk to trainers.
Poyer then got up and walked to the tunnel entrance of the practice field, where he sat on a chair and continued to hold his arm.
Finally, a cart was brought in and he sat in the passenger side as he was taken to the locker room.
The Bills are already down one starting safety when they go offense against defense at practice. 2021 Second-Team All-Pro Micah Hyde injured his hip and glute last Friday, but has since been dressed and taking part in individual position work. He has not been doing any work during the team portion of practice.
Jaquan Johnson, Damar Hamlin, and Josh Thomas are the other listed safeties on the team, and all get work when either Poyer or Hyde are out. Cornerback Nick McCloud also gets some reps at the spot.
Back-and-forth
If there’s an area the defense won on Tuesday it’s up front, while the receivers had the upper-hand against the secondary.
With several starting offensive linemen still out, the group had a tough time keeping the Bills defensive line out of the backfield, including in some running plays that were stopped.
However, when quarterbacks did have time plenty of plays were made in the passing game, including touchdown strikes from Josh Allen to Gabriel Davis and Stefon Diggs.
Making plays
Cornerback Taron Johnson had a pick of Allen when he stepped in front of a ball intended for Isaiah McKenzie. It was a nice read and break.
But just a few plays later Allen found Davis in the back of the end zone for a score.
Bernard breakups
Rookie linebacker Terrel Bernard has really impressed me with his coverage skills all camp long.
On the first day he made a great play to breakup a pass at the goal line for tight end Dawson Knox. He did the same again on Tuesday and more in open space.
Bernard was known for his coverage skills when he was drafted by the Bills out of Baylor. He’s definitely lived up to that part of his game here at St. John Fisher University.
Participation report
In addition to Poyer leaving early, defensive tackles Tim Settle and Brandin Bryant did not practice, along with offensive linemen Ryan Bates and Greg Mancz.
Offensive lineman Tommy Doyle, who was injured and left practice early Monday, was back in the field.
Wide receiver Jake Kumerow also returned.
Next up
The Bills will practice on Wednesday, but the session is closed to the general public.
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