Following a season of defensive setbacks, the Buffalo Bills could see a significant rebound in the coming weeks.
On December 19, Bills head coach Sean McDermott announced that standout defensive tackle DaQuan Jones would be activated from injured reserve, beginning his three-week window to return to practice and potentially rejoin the active squad.
Jones was one of several key defensive players to sustain long-term or season-ending injuries, and his probable comeback comes as the 8-6 squad battles for a playoff spot.
DaQuan Jones Having Stellar Season
Jones was placed on injured reserve in October after suffering a pectoral injury, thereby ending his spectacular season. Jones had 2.5 sacks and three tackles for loss and was regarded as one of the league’s top defensive linemen, according to Nick Wojton of USA Today’s Bills Wire.
“At the time he was placed on IR, Jones was held in very high regard,” Wojton said in a statement. “For the year, Jones received an excellent 90.5 overall grade from Pro Football Focus.” When he went down, he had the fifth-best defensive tackle grade in the NFL.”
With the Bills facing a short week, McDermott indicated he does not expect Jones to return for Saturday’s game against the Chargers in Los Angeles. Jones had earlier hinted that he would return this season, stating on Instagram days after being placed on injured reserve, “I’ll be back #CYL #mambamentality.”
The Bills have also lost a number of key defensive players, including linebacker Matt Milano, who fractured his leg, and cornerback Tre’Davious White, who tore his Achilles. The team has found assistance in a pair of midseason signings, signing defensive tackle Linval Joseph and acquiring cornerback Rasul Douglas in a trade with the Green Bay Packers at the deadline.
Another Loss for the Bills at Defensive Line
Jones might potentially make a comeback at a crucial time for the Bills, who suffered another blow to their defensive line with Jordan Phillips sustaining an injury during their victory against the Dallas Cowboys on December 17. Phillips underwent wrist surgery post-game, confirmed by McDermott. According to a report by Ryan O’Halloran from the Buffalo News, Phillips expressed a desire to return if the Bills manage to secure a playoff spot.
O’Halloran tweeted, “#Bills DT Jordan Phillips underwent wrist surgery after dislocating his right wrist. He aims to return if Bills secure playoffs.”
Phillips had an impressive season so far, featuring in all games and starting nine times. His stats included 15 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and five passes defensed. He played a pivotal role in the defensive effort against the Cowboys, stifling one of the league’s top offenses. The Bills managed to keep the Cowboys from scoring until a late fourth-quarter touchdown drive, which occurred well after they had substituted quarterback Josh Allen out of the game.
With Phillips sidelined and Jones unlikely to return until at least Week 17, the Bills may look to veteran Poona Ford to fill the position. Ford has been a health scratch in all but five games since signing with the team in the offseason, totaling seven tackles and one quarterback hit.
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