The Buffalo Bills encountered an early challenge in their season-opening victory against the Arizona Cardinals when nickel cornerback Taron Johnson sustained an arm injury and was ruled out.
Now, they face further difficulties as Johnson has been declared out for the team’s upcoming game against division rivals, the Miami Dolphins. The Bills will head to Miami for a Thursday Night Football matchup without one of the key players in their secondary.
Bills Staring at Potentially ‘Crushing Injury’
Bills head coach Sean McDermott provided an update on Johnson’s status on Monday, stating that the team is still uncertain about how much time he might miss.
“With Taron, I don’t know his timeline on when he’ll be back… we’re still doing further research on that,” McDermott said, as reported by Matt Bove.
Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic noted that a long-term injury to Johnson would be a significant setback, especially with star linebacker Matt Milano already on injured reserve due to a torn bicep. Johnson was injured just seven snaps into the Bills’ 34-28 win over the Cardinals on September 8, and the team announced at halftime that he would not return.
Buscaglia pointed out that the quick determination of Johnson’s inability to return was concerning for the team.
“Although they initially labeled Johnson as questionable, the team announced just after halftime that the nickel would not return to the game,” Buscaglia wrote. “This relatively quick decision is not a good sign, especially with a short turnaround to a Thursday night game in Week 2. The Bills will be hoping this isn’t a long-term absence for Johnson.”
Buscaglia added that the team was likely already considering contingency plans even before the official announcement. Cam Lewis, who stepped in as the nickel cornerback, would likely start against the Dolphins if Johnson remains sidelined.
“There’s little doubt that Lewis will be the starting nickel corner while Johnson is out, but it raises questions about how much the team will rely on nickel without Johnson, who was key in the switch to this formation in 2021,” Buscaglia wrote. “If Lewis were to get injured, the next likely option would be Ja’Marcus Ingram filling in at nickel.”
Good News for the Bills
After facing early defensive challenges against the Cardinals and quarterback Kyler Murray, the Bills tightened up in the second half, making several critical stops.
Despite Johnson’s injury, the team had some standout performances, notably from pass-rusher Greg Rousseau, who recorded three sacks, tying the franchise record for a season opener. SI.com reporter Anthony Miller named Rousseau the team’s MVP of the game.
“Although Murray managed to break off some impressive runs and maneuver around the Bills’ defense, Rousseau consistently pressured the veteran quarterback, even when the overall pass rush faltered,” Miller wrote. “The fourth-year player ended the game with three sacks, including a strip sack that led to a Khalil Shakir touchdown in the third quarter. It was an outstanding and promising performance from a 24-year-old eager to advance in his development and make a name for himself this season.”
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