The Buffalo Bills are approaching the NFL playoffs with a healthier roster, as some key defensive players return and others move past lingering injuries. However, the team may be without one crucial player in the wild-card matchup against the Denver Broncos on Sunday. Return specialist Brandon Codrington, who was injured while fielding a punt in the season finale loss to the New England Patriots, has been listed as questionable for the game. Additionally, the cold, snowy weather expected at kickoff could add another challenge for the team.
Bills head coach Sean McDermott confirmed that Codrington is questionable for Sunday’s game and noted that he was unable to fully practice this week. Codrington missed Wednesday’s practice but participated in a limited session on Thursday. He is expected to be limited again on Friday.
If Codrington cannot play, the Bills may turn to running backs Ty Johnson and Ray Davis as possible returners. Both players have returned kicks this season, though Codrington has been the team’s primary return specialist, averaging 11.6 yards per punt return and 27.8 yards per kickoff return.
McDermott emphasized the team’s need to find a backup plan if Codrington is unavailable. “He’s been our primary return guy all year so we’ll deal with it,” McDermott said. “We’ll figure it out one way or the other. If he can go, great. If he can’t, then we’ll figure something out.”
Codrington shared that he has been able to practice fielding punts, but he hasn’t participated on defense. “I feel good, you know, just working it day by day. Just catching punts honestly,” he said. “I didn’t do anything defensively. So just catching punts. That’s kind of the norm for me.”
The weather could present a challenge, with snow expected and temperatures hovering around freezing, potentially making the kicking game difficult. If the Bills rely on less-experienced returners, the conditions could complicate matters further.
The Bills acquired Codrington just before the season in a trade with the New York Jets. He showcased his potential during the preseason, including a 63-yard kickoff return against the Carolina Panthers.
As the Bills head into the playoffs, they are generally healthy, with no other significant injury concerns for the game against the Broncos. However, reserve cornerback Ja’Marcus Ingram missed two practices this week. Key players like linebacker Matt Milano have returned from injuries, and quarterback Josh Allen has recovered from a broken left hand suffered in Week 1.
