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Alaina Getzenberg
DENVER — The Buffalo Bills are set to receive reinforcements.
As they prepare for their divisional round matchup against the Denver Broncos, the team activated both defensive tackle Ed Oliver and wide receiver Curtis Samuel from injured reserve on Friday. This week marked the opening of their practice windows.
plus, wide receiver Mecole Hardman Jr. and running back Frank Gore Jr. were promoted from the practice squad. Running back Ty Johnson, who was sidelined during last week’s game, is listed as questionable due to an ankle injury.
With receivers Tyrell Shavers and Gabe Davis being placed on injured reserve due to torn ACLs suffered in last weekend’s win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, the team had two open roster spots. Samuel (elbow) and Hardman join the roster, providing five receivers for Saturday’s game alongside Khalil Shakir, Brandin Cooks, and Keon Coleman.
The return of Oliver significantly strengthens a defensive tackle unit that has faced numerous injuries this season. The seven-year veteran landed on IR on Oct. 28 due to a left biceps tear requiring surgery and later dealt with meniscus damage during his recovery, leading to a minimally invasive procedure on Dec. 29.
“It’s a long-awaited return,” Oliver said about coming back to practice. “I maintained my focus even when the path ahead seemed unclear.”
In the three games he has played this season — having also faced an ankle injury earlier in the year — Oliver recorded three sacks and a forced fumble.
“[Oliver] is passionate about playing,” said coach Sean McDermott on Thursday. “There’s a process to returning, and he has committed to it diligently. even with the setback with his knee a few weeks back, he has tackled the challenge, and our medical team has been great as well.”
The defensive tackle mentioned feeling “kind of fresh” this week, especially in comparison to other players, after being inactive for so much of the season.
Samuel (elbow) is prepared to make his return to the field for the first time since Nov. 16.
Cornerback Maxwell Hairston (ankle) and safety Jordan Poyer (hamstring) are confirmed to be out for the game. Linebacker Terrel Bernard (calf) is currently listed as questionable.
