Bills activate Oliver, Samuel; face Broncos in upcoming divisional round game

The Buffalo Bills are set to bolster their playoff roster with the return of key players Ed Oliver and Curtis Samuel as they prepare for a critical divisional round matchup against the Denver Broncos.

Why it matters: The return of Oliver and Samuel could significantly enhance the Bills’ performance as they look to advance in the postseason.

• Oliver's impact on the defensive line is crucial, particularly in stopping the run and pressuring the quarterback.
• Samuel’s versatility adds depth to the receiving corps, which has faced injuries throughout the season.

What’s new: Ed Oliver has been activated from injured reserve after recovering from a left biceps tear and subsequent knee surgery.

• In three games this season prior to his injury, Oliver recorded three sacks and one forced fumble, showcasing his potential to disrupt opposing offenses when healthy.

Yes, but: Despite these reinforcements, the Bills will be without cornerback Maxwell Hairston and safety Jordan Poyer due to injuries.

• This could expose vulnerabilities in the secondary against a potent Broncos offense led by quarterback Russell Wilson.

What to watch: Keep an eye on how Oliver integrates back into the defensive scheme after a lengthy absence.

• Coach Sean McDermott expressed confidence in Oliver’s preparation, emphasizing his commitment even through setbacks: “He loves to play…he's attacked [the recovery] head-on.”

The big picture: With the NFL playoffs intensifying, the health and performance of key players like Oliver and Samuel could define the Bills' championship aspirations.

• Their contributions will be critical against the Broncos, who pose a formidable offensive challenge.

Zoom in: Curtis Samuel is also making his return after missing significant time with an elbow injury, adding much-needed speed and reliability to the wide receiver unit.

• His last appearance was on November 16, and he will be eager to make an immediate impact in the postseason.

The bottom line: As the Bills gear up for their playoff clash, the returns of Oliver and Samuel provide a much-needed boost for a team that has had to navigate significant injuries this season. Their ability to perform at a high level could determine the outcome of this pivotal game against the Broncos.