The Buffalo Bills, riding high at 2-0 after a dominant road performance against the New York Jets in Week 2, face a daunting challenge as they prepare to host the Miami Dolphins (0-2) on Thursday Night Football at 8:20 p.m. in Week 3. Despite their early-season success, the Bills’ defense, which has been a cornerstone of their victories, is grappling with a mounting injury crisis that threatens to derail their momentum. Three key defenders—Taron Johnson, Ed Oliver, and Matt Milano—are among the walking wounded, casting a shadow over Buffalo’s preparations for a critical AFC East showdown on a short week.
The Bills’ defense was nothing short of spectacular in their 30-10 rout of the Jets, holding New York to just 172 total yards and forcing two turnovers. However, the victory came at a cost. Cornerback Taron Johnson, a vital piece of Buffalo’s secondary, missed Week 2 with a quadriceps injury sustained after a flare-up following the Bills’ thrilling 41-40 comeback win over the Baltimore Ravens in Week 1. Johnson, who was limited in practice last week, may have been held out to preserve his health for the quick turnaround against Miami. His status remains uncertain, with Monday’s practice participation report offering the first clue to his availability.
Defensive tackle Ed Oliver, the standout performer in Week 1 with six tackles, three tackles for loss, a sack, and a forced fumble that sparked the comeback against Baltimore, is another major concern. Oliver suffered an ankle injury in practice before Week 2 when a teammate stepped on his foot. Spotted in a walking boot and using a scooter to move around, Oliver was sidelined for the Jets game. His absence was felt, as Buffalo leaned heavily on depth players to fill the void. Whether Oliver can return to full participation by Wednesday’s game status report will be pivotal for a Bills defense tasked with containing Miami’s explosive offense.
Linebacker Matt Milano adds to the Bills’ woes. Milano, who has already missed 25 games since the start of the 2023 season due to various injuries, played a strong first half against the Jets, racking up five tackles, including a 3-yard loss on Breece Hall. However, he did not return for the second half, standing on the sidelines with his helmet on. Head coach Sean McDermott was vague about Milano’s status, noting only that he was “dinged up a little bit.” With Milano’s injury history and the short week, his availability against Miami is in question, leaving Buffalo potentially thin at linebacker.
The Bills have also been hit with injuries to other defensive contributors. Cam Lewis, who stepped in for Johnson at cornerback and played 33 snaps in Week 2, suffered a lower leg injury in the fourth quarter after a collision with Jets quarterback Tyrod Taylor. Lewis limped off but walked under his own power, leaving his status for Thursday uncertain. Tre’Davious White, another cornerback, made his season debut against the Jets but was limited to 26 snaps as a precaution due to a groin injury that sidelined him earlier. Head coach Sean McDermott emphasized a cautious approach with White, pulling him in the second half as the Bills built a commanding lead.
Linebacker Shaq Thompson (hamstring) and rookie defensive back Jordan Hancock (shoulder) also missed Week 2, further straining Buffalo’s defensive depth. On the injured reserve list, rookie first-round cornerback Maxwell Hairston (knee) and defensive tackle DeWayne Carter (Achilles) are out for the foreseeable future, with Carter sidelined for the entire 2025 season. Even kicker Tyler Bass, who missed most of training camp with pelvic soreness, remains on IR, though veteran Matt Prater has filled in admirably, going 6-for-6 on field goals, including a game-winner in Week 1.
The Miami Dolphins, meanwhile, are not without their own injury concerns. The loss of starting right tackle Austin Jackson and right guard James Daniels to injured reserve has left quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s blindside vulnerable. The Dolphins’ offense, which has struggled to a 0-2 start, will rely on backups to protect Tagovailoa against a Bills defensive front that, even without Oliver, remains formidable. Linebacker Chop Robinson tweaked his knee in Week 2 but returned to the game, suggesting he may be available for Thursday.
Miami’s injury list is extensive, with key players like cornerbacks Artie Burns and Kader Kohou, and running back Alexander Mattison on injured reserve. The Dolphins’ depth will be tested, but their high-powered passing attack, led by Tagovailoa and receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, remains a significant threat.
Amid the injury chaos, quarterback Josh Allen remains a beacon of reliability for Buffalo. Despite a busted nose in the first quarter of Week 2, Allen returned to the game after a quick sideline fix and led the Bills to victory. With 117 consecutive starts, including playoffs, Allen’s durability is unmatched. “We can breathe, so it’s good,” Allen quipped postgame, downplaying the injury. His leadership will be crucial as the Bills navigate their defensive injuries against a divisional rival.
With NFL teams required to submit practice participation reports on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday for Thursday games, all eyes will be on the Bills’ updates for Johnson, Oliver, and Milano. The designations—did not participate, limited participation, or full participation—will offer insight into their availability. The game status report, due by 4 p.m. Wednesday, will provide the final word on who suits up.
The Bills have shown resilience in the face of adversity, with their depth players stepping up in Week 2 to secure a convincing win. However, facing a desperate Dolphins team looking to avoid an 0-3 start, Buffalo’s injury-riddled defense will need to dig deep. If Johnson, Oliver, and Milano can return, even at less than 100%, the Bills have a chance to solidify their grip on first place in the AFC East. If not, the short week and Miami’s offensive firepower could make for a long night in Orchard Park.