Bills vs Steelers: Jordan Poyer, Dawson Knox ruled out for Sunday

Buffalo’s injury woes continue

On Friday morning, Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott announced that safety Jordan Poyer and tight end Dawson Knox would not be active on Sunday when the Bills host the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Both Poyer and Knox had not practiced Wednesday or Thursday as they dealt with injuries sustained in the Bills’ come-from-behind win over the Baltimore Ravens in Week 4.

Poyer, who earned his first-ever AFC Defensive Player of the Week award, put up great numbers Sunday (two interceptions and six tackles) including an interception on a 4th & Goal pass attempt by quarterback Lamar Jackson. While Poyer’s interception kept the Ravens from taking the go-ahead-score and gave Buffalo the ball on the 25-yard line as they started their game-winning drive, it also cost the All-Pro safety. Poyer looked like he was in pain as he returned to the sidelines, and later in the post-game press conference told the media that he just had his breath knocked out. However, the 31-year-old safety has spent the week on the sidelines—where he will also be on Sunday—with what is listed as an injury to his ribs.

With safety Micah Hyde out for the season, Buffalo will have to rely on safeties Damar Hamlin, Jaquan Johnson, and Cam Lewis—who has also been on the injury list with knee and forearm issues, but was a full participant this week—to hold down both safety position.

As for Knox, the fourth-year tight end who recently signed a $53.6 million contract extension has been battling injuries for a few weeks. Initially listed with a foot injury heading into Week 3, Knox added a hamstring injury to his list of ailments this week. Having not practiced in the early part of the week, McDermott went ahead on Friday morning and ruled Knox out for Sunday.

Buffalo hastight ends Quintin Morris and Tommy Sweeney listed on their active roster. While Sweeney has been a healthy scratch on game days, it’s reasonable to assume that both will be active Sunday when the Bills host the Steelers. Reggie Gilliam will likely play an increased role, as well.

McDermott also confirmed that, as expected, cornerback Christian Benford (surgery for a broken hand), and wide receivers Jamison Crowder (broken ankle), and Jake Kumerow (ankle) will not be active.