Buffalo Bills vs. Baltimore Ravens in Week 1
Orchard Park, N.Y. — Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Ed Oliver appeared on the injury report on Thursday with an ankle injury and did not participate in a walk-through.
Oliver was in a walking boot during open locker room media access and needed a scooter to move throughout the room.
The Bills’ defense allowed 40 points against the Baltimore Ravens last week. Buffalo coach Sean McDermott opted to go with full pads in Wednesday’s practice as the team began preparation for the New York Jets.
“We’ve got to make sure that this week is hard,” McDermott said. “Even though you win the game, it’s too early in the season … we got to buckle down and get ready for us and how we can improve, and then a really good Jets football team.”
Oliver spoke to reporters after Wednesday’s practice, where he was a full participant
“Yeah, full pads on a Wednesday after a 60-minute game, where we had to play all 60 minutes is a little challenging,” Oliver said. “It’s trying mentally to get yourself back right. And you’re still kind of hurting. I know a lot of guys on the team hurting, still. You put on full pads and you go out there and you compete, because that’s who we are.”
Oliver put on an impressive performance against the Ravens. He led all defensive players in the NFL with a -11.24 EPA score and earned the highest Pro Football Focus overall defensive grade with a 92.7. Oliver had a sack, two quarterback hits, three tackles for loss, and a forced fumble on a Derrick Henry run in the fourth quarter of Buffalo’s 41-40 comeback win on Sunday Night Football.
The Bills are already down a contributor on the interior of their defensive line with veteran Larry Ogunjobi out until at least Week 7. He’s serving a suspension for performance-enhancing drugs.
Buffalo signed defensive tackle Phidarian Mathis to their practice squad on Wednesday. Buffalo now has three tackle reserves they could elevate for Sunday’s game if Oliver isn’t able to play. Jordan Phillips and Zion Logue are also on the practice squad.