Allen injured his non-throwing hand diving for a touchdown against the Cardinals in Week 1
In another sigh of relief for Buffalo Bills faithful everywhere, quarterback Josh Allen spoke on his hand injury Tuesday and doesn't seem the slightest bit concerned. It was already announced on Monday that Allen would be playing Thursday night in Miami, but his confidence in today’s press conference squashed any doubts of limiting the star quarterback.
Allen was seen with a large oven-mitt type glove on his left hand and seemingly had multiple fingers taped together. Asked about his comfort level with wearing a heavy glove, Allen referred to his use of thick gloves during some of Buffalo’s colder-weather games and that it wouldn't be a brand-new adjustment. He also stated that he’s “not sure” if the glove will be used on game day.
Josh Allen wearing a glove on his left hand at practice. Appears to have his ring and middle fingers taped together pic.twitter.com/XLH7qc4H2E
— Carl Jones (@Jones11_) September 10, 2024
In response to how the injury will impact his mental focus and routine movements, Allen referenced the Herb Brooks (Miracle on Ice) adage of “It’s a long way from the heart” and refrained that his left hand injury is “A long way from the right hand.”
“Ready to go” were the first words Allen spoke and he was also fielding questions regarding game tactics versus the Dolphins and adjustments following the team's close 34-28 win over Arizona on Sunday.
Josh Allen didn’t seem very concerned about the hand injury today after practice.
— Matt Parrino (@MattParrino) September 10, 2024
“It’s as comfortable as we can make it.”
Allen doesn’t know if he’ll wear the glove vs. Miami yet. pic.twitter.com/ILz6zbpXWP
Prompted about Mike White’s role this week, Allen confirmed that he could be a great help since White was with the Dolphins the entirety of training camp until being released on August 25 and signing with the Bills two days later. This inside-information tactic is also something the Dolphins look to employ with former Bills safety Jordan Poyer and defensive back Siran Neal. When speaking about Poyer, Allen remarked that his former teammate is “one of the best to put on a Bills uniform” and that “it’s fun to play against guys you love and respect.”
Allen also reiterated Joe Brady’s “everybody eats” mantra in regards to Dalton Kincaid’s lack of catches and the way Arizona purposely kept him from being involved.
Tua on whether Jordan Poyer and Siran Neal can help the Dolphins offense this week vs the Bills:
— Marcel Louis-Jacques (@Marcel_LJ) September 10, 2024
"Yeah, they definitely can ... Can take a lot of the information that I've been given from those guys early in the week and apply it on Thursday."
Overall, it’s highly encouraging to see Josh respond in a light and somewhat jovial manner regarding his hand injury and preparing on a very short week. He and the team obviously would want to downplay any injury but there weren’t Justin Herbert-esque awkward moments or non-answers when it came to Allen’s status or comfort level.
Despite the short week, Buffalo swiftly made it known Allen will play and the team has been very open and front-facing about the whole process. Hurdles and stiff arms might be off the table Thursday night but, after playing Miami, the Bills get a mini bye week as their next game isn’t until Monday September 23 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.