Buffalo Bills coach Sean McDermott announced on Monday that starting nickel cornerback Taron Johnson will not play in the game against Miami on Thursday. He also confirmed that quarterback Josh Allen is cleared to play after injuring his non-throwing left hand.
McDermott didn’t specify how long Johnson will be out after he injured his right forearm just seven plays into Arizona’s first drive in Buffalo’s 34-28 victory over the Cardinals. The team is still doing “further research” on Johnson’s injury.
Allen hurt his left hand with just under 9 minutes remaining in the game when he landed awkwardly while scoring a 6-yard touchdown after jumping over safety Budda Baker.
He was checked by medical staff on the sideline and had his hand wrapped before continuing to play.
McDermott said Allen is cleared for both practice and play after follow-up tests. Allen had a standout game, accounting for four touchdowns—two passing and two rushing—helping Buffalo overcome a 14-point deficit in the first half.
Regarding any possible limitations for Allen when taking snaps under center, McDermott said that since Allen was able to finish the game, “We’ll just see how it goes today more than anything.”
Defensive end Dawuane Smoot will miss practice and is expected to be out for a second game after injuring his toe on Thursday.
