Breaking news: Two of Bills key players ruled out for the rest of the season due to injury.

We now have a clearer image of which Buffalo Bills players will be in uniform and which ones will be spectators in Week 2 as the team departed for their Thursday night game against the Miami Dolphins.

Regarding the Bills, nothing on Wednesday’s injury report caught the Bills Mafia off guard.

Defensive end Dawuane Smoot and nickel cornerback Taron Johnson had already been ruled out by head coach Sean McDermott. Johnson hurt his forearm during Buffalo’s Week 1 victory, and while there are no firm answers at this time, it’s generally believed that he suffered some sort of fracture. He isn’t going to be on the field on Thursday night, though. Late last week, Smoot discovered his name on the injury report following a toe injury.

Javon Solomon is now officially uncertain to play, as well. Even if Solomon recovers from his oblique injury—which I hinted at yesterday—it appears the Bills will only use him if someone else is unable to play. Due to a calf injury that kept him out of the preseason, Solomon’s experience level is not optimal while playing a division opponent in a winner-take-all situation.

All other players on Buffalo’s injury list are expected to play; fortunately, backup quarterback Mitch Trubisky won’t, but Josh Allen is fit enough to start in his place. Remember that late in the game against the Cardinals, Allen hurt his left hand diving for a touchdown.

Yes, Allen’s left hand will most likely be gloved. It’s true that the glove is probably boosting or concealing some kind of bracing. No, Allen doesn’t plan to slow down or change into a different suit.

There is also the issue of health injuries unique to Miami. Raheem Mostert, the running back, is out due to a chest issue, and Malik Washington, the rookie receiver, is not expected to play on Thursday due to his ongoing hamstring recovery. Mostert touched the ball 209 times in 2023 for 1,012 yards and 18 touchdowns; this is a significant total for a squad that features numerous quick, well-known wide receivers.

De’Von Achane’s present status as uncertain for game time is a concern for Miami. The second-year running back missed the first two days of practice due to an ankle injury he suffered during the Dolphins’ Week 1 victory against the Jacksonville Jaguars. On Wednesday, he was limited in practice. Achane scored eight touchdowns and ran for 800 yards on 107 carries during the previous campaign. In addition, he had 27 receptions for 197 yards and three touchdown grabs.