2 min read • September 25, 2022
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The battle for the early-season AFC East lead features one side with serious injury concerns.
The Dolphins emerged from a raucous 42-38 game against the Ravens with an impressive win and will get a chance to face another secondary rife with injury issues against the Bills on Sunday.
Miami's biggest absence on the offense continues to be right tackle Austin Jackson, who was placed on IR after suffering an ankle injury in Week 1.
Because Tua Tagavailoa is left-handed, the right tackles serves as his blind-side protection and, in this contest, will be tasked with keeping away the Bills' pass-rush that is second in the NFL with nine sacks this year.
Fourth-year reserve Greg Little, who has earned a 48.5 PFF grade in 116 snaps this year, will start in Week 3.
Major free-agent acquisition and left tackle Terron Armstead, SIC score 79, is questionable due to his lingering toe injury and his availability “up in the air” of missing after missing practice all week to limit excessive stress on his injury.
No. 3 wideout Cedrick Wilson Jr., who has been overshadowed by Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, is questionable with multiple issues.
On defense, defensive tackle Raekwon Davis and star cornerback Xavien Howard are questionable with knee and groin injuries, respectively, but are likely to play through according to the Pro Football Docs.
Starting cornerback Byron Jones, however, is still on the PUP list after undergoing ankle surgery. Fourth-year corner Nik Needham will start again in his place against the potentially returning Gabe Davis.
After outscoring the Rams and Titans by a combined 55 points in the first two weeks, the Bills have risen to +450 favorites to win the Super Bowl and are -4.5 point favorites on the road against the Dolphins in Week 3.
The dominance, however, has taken its toll, and Buffalo will face the Dolphins carrying a 70.7 defensive SIC score, 13 points lower than Miami's offense, and a 63.4 SIC score for their pass defense, the second-lowest team mark of the week behind the Cowboys' passing offense.
The Bills have possibly the most talent lost at any positional group in the league this season in their secondary: cornerback Tre'Davious White in on the PUP list for ACL recovery, free safety Micah Hyde and cornerback Dane Jackson will be out for an extended period after suffering neck injuries in Week 2, and strong safety Jordan Poyer is out with a lingering foot injury.
Defensive linemen Ed Oliver and Jordan Phillips were also ruled out and tackle Tim Settle is questionable.
The defense will have its hands full against Waddle and Hill, who have run roughshod over fellow slim secondaries in New England and Baltimore to the tune of 35 receptions for 524 yards and five touchdowns combined.
Wide receiver Gabe Davis missed Week 2 with an ankle sprain and should play in Week 3 but is unlikely to be effective yet, according to the Docs.
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#Bills FS Micah Hyde will reportedly be placed on IR today with a herniated disk that requires surgery However, our panel of doctors believe he has a chance to return for a potential playoff run Full story⏩bit.ly/3SbnJfH
