The Buffalo Bills are facing unique challenges this postseason. Not only do they have to go on the road every single game to earn an opportunity to play for the Super Bowl, but no team in the AFC playoffs has faced as many injury problems as this year’s Bills team has.
This week, they lost wide receivers Tyrell Shavers and Gabe Davis to the injured reserve after a hard-fought round one playoff win over the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Fortunately, they were able to activate veteran Curtis Samuel from the IR to fill their place, but even he is questionable to play on Sunday.
Samuel wasn’t the only boost this offense is looking to get, as they made the announcement on Friday that they would be elevating Super Bowl champion Mecole Hardman, as well as the son of Hall of Fame running back Frank Gore Jr., off the practice squad.
NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo made the announcement as the team prepares to head off to Denver with just 24 hours until they are set to play the No. 1 seed Broncos.
What Does Frank Gore Jr.’s Elevation Mean For Ty Johnson
The Bills were without backup running back Ty Johnson during last week’s narrow victory.
The seventh-year RB has settled into a new role in Buffalo as the primary pass-catching back.
For the second year in a row, Johnson finished the season with more receiving yards than rushing yards.
All-Pro James Cook tried to fill his shoes last week, but was a major non-factor in the passing attack, hauling in just two balls for five yards.
Meanwhile, Gore brought in his one pass for six yards after playing just four snaps the entire game.
The fact that he is elevated at all means that, at the very least, Buffalo is very concerned about Johnson’s ability to go tomorrow.
At most, Gore’s activation is the indicator that the Johnson decision has already been made.
Ray Davis also played 20 snaps in the win.
Will Mecole Hardman Get Reps At Receiver?
In short? Yes.
As of right now, the Bills have three healthy wide receivers. That number becomes four if Curtis Samuel is a go and five if Hardman is not just a special teams weapon.
Nobody should have to tell you that you cannot enter any game, much less a divisional round playoff game, with only three receivers on the roster.
Hardman is making the trip, and this means Hardman is going to be leaned on during the game.
Hardman has three Super Bowl rings, all coming with the Kansas City Chiefs, but he has yet to make a catch this season.
Bills Make 2 Practice Squad Elevations For Severely Hobbled Offense