Buffalo Rumblings
The Buffalo Bills’ defensive line had their most productive game of the season against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 8. But that effort came at a cost. Injuries continue to mount across the Buffalo’s defensive line, potentially leaving the group a bit thin on Sunday against the Miami Dolphins.
The biggest blow to the group came when defensive end Michael Hoecht tore his Achilles while playing just his second game of the season. Hoecht had certainly provided a spark to the Bills’ defense, with impressive showings in wins over the Carolina Panthers and Chiefs.
Things went from bad to worse earlier this week as defensive ends Joey Bosa (wrist) and A.J. Epenesa (concussion) both missed practice on Wednesday. Bosa returned to practice on Thursday, but Epenesa was nowhere to be seen. If Bosa and/or Epenesa have to miss Sunday’s game, there will be an opportunity for rookie edge rusher Landon Jackson to step up in their absence.
The first half of Jackson’s rookie year has certainly been forgettable, as the third-round pick has only appeared in two games for a combined 28 defensive snaps. This is likely just a coincidence, but these two appearances also happened to come during the Bills’ two losses this season. While it’s been an inauspicious start for Jackson, Sunday could provide the opportunity to get extended playing time against a struggling Dolphins club.
When it comes to rookies like Jackson, it’s best to remain a bit patient with their trajectory in Buffalo. I’m old enough to remember when Epenesa was a healthy scratch at the beginning of his career with the Bills. Some other rookies had some rather forgettable starts to their time in Buffalo as well, including running back James Cook III, linebacker Terrell Bernard, and wide receiver Khalil Shakir. No one should judge Jackson after just 28 snaps, since with more time to develop, he hopefully becomes a meaningful contributor for Buffalo’s defense. Maybe that truly begins on Sunday in South Beach.
