ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen has been cleared to participate in Monday’s walk-through practice and play in the team’s game against the Miami Dolphins on Thursday night, coach Sean McDermott said Monday.
Allen injured his left (non-throwing) hand in the team’s 34-28 Week 1 victory over the Arizona Cardinals.
The Bills will be without 2023 second-team All-Pro nickel cornerback Taron Johnson (forearm) in the game against the Dolphins after he left Sunday’s game on the first drive. Cam Lewis is the team’s backup nickel. McDermott did not have a timeline on his return and said they are still doing “research” into that. The coach also said it “is looking like” defensive end Dawuane Smoot (toe) will be ruled out for Thursday’s game.
Allen appeared to suffer his injury on a rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter during which he leaped over Cardinals safety Budda Baker to reach the end zone. His left hand was holding on to the ball, and he fell into his right elbow as he made contact with the turf.
Allen’s left hand and wrist were wrapped by athletic trainers on the sideline, and he remained in the game. He said after the game that his hand was “fine” and did go into the X-ray room at the stadium. His hand was not wrapped in the postgame locker room.
The quarterback has not missed a game since his rookie year.
“I don’t think so,” McDermott said when asked whether he anticipates any issues for Allen taking snaps under center. “He was able to do it, and so we’ll just see how it goes today more than anything.”
Allen on Sunday became the second player in NFL history to have multiple rushing and passing touchdowns in four games. He recovered from a sack-fumble on the first drive of the game by completing 18 of 23 passes (78.3%) for 232 yards and two touchdowns. He also had nine carries for 39 yards and the two rushing touchdowns.
“The first rushing touchdown, I kind of lowered the shoulder, knowing that was a corner,” Allen said Sunday. “Second time, I knew it was Budda, and Budda’s a good player and he’ll lay the boom on you, so I decided to go up and over, but probably can’t make a living doing that, but here we are.”
