Surgery Needed: Buffalo Bills Place Defensive End Dawuane Smoot on Injured Reserve
In a blow to their defensive depth, the Buffalo Bills have placed defensive end Dawuane Smoot on injured reserve due to a lingering injury that has impacted his availability this season. The move sidelines Smoot for at least four weeks, per NFL IR regulations, and leaves the Bills searching for options to reinforce their pass rush as they push for a playoff spot in a highly competitive AFC race.
Smoot’s Impact and the Bills’ Defensive Line
Smoot, who joined the Bills after a productive stint with the Jacksonville Jaguars, brought experience and versatility to Buffalo’s defensive front. Known for his tenacity and ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks, Smoot was a valuable rotational piece for the Bills’ defense. He added depth and reliability to a unit that has been vital to Buffalo’s success, providing support for star defensive ends Von Miller and Greg Rousseau.
In his previous seasons with Jacksonville, Smoot consistently demonstrated his knack for getting to the quarterback and making plays behind the line of scrimmage. His production made him an appealing addition for the Bills, who aimed to bolster their pass rush ahead of the season. Smoot’s contributions have been impactful when healthy, making his presence on the field especially missed as the Bills enter a crucial stretch of their season.
The Nature of the Injury and Timeline for Return
Smoot’s injury, believed to be related to a lingering lower body issue, has hindered his ability to perform at full capacity. While the exact nature of the injury has not been fully disclosed, the Bills have opted to give Smoot the necessary time to recover and ensure he can return fully healthy before any postseason action. By placing him on IR, the Bills have opened a roster spot that can be used to add depth or bring up a player from the practice squad who can contribute to their defense in Smoot’s absence.
Smoot will be eligible to return after four weeks, making a late-season return possible if he recovers well. His experience and defensive skills could prove crucial for the Bills during a potential playoff push, especially as they face challenging matchups in the later stages of the regular season.
Options for Replacing Smoot
The Bills are expected to lean on other defensive ends to fill the void left by Smoot. Players like A.J. Epenesa and Kingsley Jonathan could see increased snaps in Smoot’s absence. Additionally, the Bills may look to activate a defensive lineman from the practice squad or explore available free agents for additional depth.
As the Bills aim to remain competitive in a crowded AFC, losing a player of Smoot’s caliber is a setback. However, head coach Sean McDermott remains optimistic about the depth and resilience of the defensive line, expressing confidence that the team’s rotational players can step up. The hope is that Smoot will be able to return fully healthy and ready to contribute in the latter part of the season.
For now, Buffalo will need to regroup and adjust its defensive approach, ensuring they remain one of the league’s top defenses despite Smoot’s absence.