One week after tearing his bicep, the Buffalo Bills have officially placed nose tackle Ed Oliver on injured reserve ahead of Week 9. In response to his injury, the team has made a pair of defensive signings and elevated veterans Jordan Poyer and Jordan Phillips to their active roster. The Bills announced on social media that both players have been promoted from the practice squad and will be immediately eligible to play against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 9.
Poyer and Phillips have both been with the Bills throughout the season, moving back and forth between the active roster and practice squad. They have been active for each of the team’s last two games. At 34 years old, Jordan Poyer has become an increasingly important part of the Bills’ defensive game plan, especially after Damar Hamlin was placed on injured reserve. With Taylor Rapp recently joining Hamlin on the mend list, Poyer started his first game of the season in Week 8.
Jordan Phillips, 33, has not been as consistently involved, but he has become a key part of the defensive rotation. Buffalo initially signed the 11-year veteran following injuries to DeWayne Carter and T. J. Sanders. With Oliver sidelined, Phillips’ role is expected to increase even further.
### Bills’ Roster Issues Mount with Ed Oliver Injury
The roster shakeup comes at an inopportune time as the Bills prepare for what many consider their biggest game of the year. They face the Kansas City Chiefs again in Week 9, but their injury list continues to grow.
In addition to Ed Oliver, Buffalo could also be without defensive tackle DaQuan Jones, linebackers Matt Milano and Terrel Bernard, and wide receiver Joshua Palmer. Milano and Bernard were both listed on the Week 8 injury report; Milano missed his second consecutive game while Bernard played on a pitch count.
Veteran Shaq Thompson and fan-favorite Joe Andreessen have stepped in at linebacker to fill the gaps left by Milano and Bernard’s injuries. However, their absences mean the Bills could be without as many as four traditional defensive starters against the Chiefs.
As the Bills look to maintain their competitive edge, the resilience of these veteran players and depth signings will be crucial moving forward.
https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/buffalo-bills/bills-news-buffalo-2-defenders-roster-ed-oliver-injury
