Bills' Davis suffers torn ACL; Poyer out, Oliver returns for divisional playoff showdown

The Buffalo Bills face significant injury challenges as they prepare for the divisional round of the AFC playoffs, with key players sidelined.

Why it matters: The Bills enter a critical playoff matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars with notable gaps in their roster, which could impact their performance on the field.

• Gabe Davis's torn ACL marks a troubling trend of knee injuries, now affecting his second consecutive season.
• Jordan Poyer, a starting safety, will miss the game due to a hamstring injury, further depleting the defensive lineup.

What’s new: With Davis out, the Bills must adapt quickly to fill the void left by one of their primary wide receivers.

• Last season, Davis recorded 57 receptions for 699 yards and three touchdowns in just 13 games with the Texans, showcasing his potential as a deep threat.
• In response, Jordan Hancock, a rookie, has stepped up in Poyer’s absence, earning praise from head coach Sean McDermott for his performance.

By the numbers: Ed Oliver's return is a bright spot for the Bills as they prepare for the playoffs.

• After recovering from surgery for a torn left biceps, he had made an impact in three games earlier in the season, recording three sacks and one forced fumble.
• Conversely, Joshua Palmer has been placed on season-ending injured reserve due to an ankle injury, further complicating the receiver situation.

Yes, but: Despite these setbacks, the Bills have confidence in their remaining roster.

• McDermott expressed optimism about the ability of his current receiving corps, stating, "I feel good with the group we have."
• Allen, who has dealt with injuries throughout the season, remains active and cleared for play, underscoring his resilience despite being "sore."

What to watch: As the Bills navigate these injuries, the effectiveness of their depth players will be critical.

• Jordan Hancock's performance in the secondary will be vital to countering the Jaguars' offensive schemes, especially as they look to exploit any weaknesses caused by Poyer's absence.
• The interplay between Josh Allen's health and the status of Curtis Samuel, whose potential return is still under observation, will also significantly influence the offense's dynamics.

The bottom line: With the playoffs at stake, the Bills must leverage their existing talents while finding ways to mitigate the impact of these injuries.

• Success in the upcoming matchup will depend on the team's adaptability and the emergence of less experienced players stepping into greater roles.