The Buffalo Bills might have dodged a significant setback with cornerback Taron Johnson’s injury, according to an insider.
Johnson, the team’s standout nickel cornerback, sustained a forearm injury early in the game against the Arizona Cardinals on September 8 and was subsequently ruled out. Although he was also sidelined for the game against the Miami Dolphins on Thursday, it appears the injury is not as severe as initially feared.
Reporter Matt Bove from WKBW noted on September 12 that Johnson’s injury outlook is positive, as the Bills have not placed him on injured reserve.
“Taron Johnson is NOT being placed on IR, per source. A very good sign for his outlook moving forward,” Bove shared on X.
Before Thursday’s game, there was speculation about the possibility of Johnson needing to go on injured reserve. The Athletic’s Joe Buscaglia reported that Bills head coach Sean McDermott had suggested that IR was a potential option while the team evaluated the injury.
“If the Bills had put Johnson on IR, he would have been out for at least four weeks. The current decision suggests he might return by the October 6 game against the Houston Texans,” Buscaglia wrote.
In Johnson’s absence, Cam Lewis is expected to step in as the starting nickel cornerback. Buscaglia noted that if Lewis were to get injured, Ja’Marcus Ingram might be the next in line.
The Bills are also managing other injuries. Defensive end Dawuane Smoot, who joined the team this season, is out for a second consecutive week due to a foot injury. To address depth concerns, the Bills have promoted defensive end Kingsley Jonathan from the practice squad.
Additionally, quarterback Josh Allen, who injured his hand during a touchdown run against the Cardinals, has been cleared to play in Thursday’s game despite needing his hand taped.