Bills QB Josh Allen Cleared to Play; DB Taron Johnson Ruled Out vs. Miami

Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott announced on Monday that starting nickel cornerback Taron Johnson will not play against the Miami Dolphins this Thursday. In a reassuring note for fans, McDermott confirmed that quarterback Josh Allen has been cleared to play after sustaining an injury to his non-throwing left hand.

McDermott did not provide an estimated return date for Johnson, who suffered a right forearm injury just seven plays into the game against the Arizona Cardinals. This occurred during Buffalo’s 34-28 victory, where Johnson was forced to leave the field. The team is currently conducting additional examinations and evaluations regarding the severity of his injury.

During the game, Allen injured his left hand while making an impressive 6-yard touchdown run, where he jumped over safety Budda Baker. Despite the setback, he managed to continue playing after being assessed by the medical team on the sidelines and having his hand heavily wrapped. He completed the game, accounting for a total of four touchdowns—two through the air and two on the ground—helping the Bills overcome a 14-point deficit in the first half.

Upon confirming Allen’s availability for upcoming practices and the game, McDermott indicated that the quarterback’s prior performance in the contest would suggest he can handle the demands of the game. However, the coach also mentioned that they would monitor the situation closely as they progress through the week. “We’ll just see how it goes today more than anything,” said McDermott when asked about any potential limitations for Allen in taking snaps under center.

In addition to Johnson’s injury, McDermott noted that defensive end Dawuane Smoot will not participate in practice and is likely to miss his second consecutive game due to a toe injury sustained last Thursday. This could affect the team’s defensive strategy moving forward against the Dolphins. Smoot’s absence will be closely felt as his contributions have been vital to the team’s performance thus far.

The Bills are now focused on preparing for their showdown against the Dolphins, which will be a significant matchup in the context of their season. The impact of Johnson’s injury and Allen’s health will be closely monitored as the team works to finalize their game plan. Cleveland fans have come to rely on Allen’s leadership and ability to perform under pressure, making his full recovery a top priority for the coaching staff.

As for the upcoming game, fans are hopeful that the team can maintain their momentum after a thrilling win over Arizona, where the offense displayed resilience and quick adaptability. This week, the Bills will aim to enhance their defensive capabilities while ensuring that Allen is comfortable and confident in his performance.

The team will conduct further evaluations on both injuries, seeking clarity as they head into the crucial matchup in Miami. Johnson’s potential absence creates an opportunity for other players in the secondary to step up and showcase their skills in a competitive environment.

As the Bills gear up for this important game, both the coaching staff and players remain committed to giving their best effort to secure a victory against their divisional rival. With each game taking on greater significance as the season progresses, maintaining player health will be critical to their aspirations of reaching the playoffs.