The Buffalo Bills are 3-2 right now and sit just 0.5 a game back of the New England Patriots in the AFC East. If the season started today, Buffalo would be in the playoffs as a wild card team, and that would end what is currently one of the longest playoff droughts in professional sports. To get to that point, the Bills will need to win home games and stay healthy. This week, they will take on a Tampa Bay Buccaneers team at home in what is essentially a must-win game if Buffalo wants to continue its playoff push.
Getting healthier at Wide Receiver
When Jordan Matthews was hurt earlier in the season, he was not projected to return quickly from his injury, but the bye week has helped speed up his recovery, and it's starting to look like he could return faster than anybody was expecting. In fact, he dressed for the Buffalo Bills' practice on Monday, a good sign for a Bills team that could really use him right now.
The Buffalo Bills organization is obviously happy to have him back at practice, and fans are as well. According to several reports, Jordan Matthews might even make a return this week against Tampa Bay, 2-3 weeks earlier than expected.
John Murphy Show: Chris Brown says Jordan Matthews is 'in a great position to play' - Buffalo News https://t.co/n6Ihmum6Ag
— Chris Brown fansy (@ChrisBrownfansy) October 16, 2017
If he does come back against Tampa Bay, it would be perfect timing.
Last week, the Buccaneers allowed Larry Fitzgerald to catch 10 passes for 138 yards and a touchdown. The Bucs have one of the league's worst pass defenses, and quick receivers like Jordan Matthews can exploit those weaknesses. That said, Matthews shouldn't be rushed back for the sake of one game, as the Bills need him for the rest of the year.
If he isn't at least 80%, it would be a mistake to risk his long term health for one game.
Charles Clay injury update
So far, there has been no update on the recovery of tight end Charles Clay. He had surgery on his knee after an injury suffered against the Bengals in week 5, and will be out multiple weeks. Given the fact that there's been virtually no optimism from the Bills' coaching staff, it's safe to say that Clay will be out for at least three more weeks, a huge blow to an offense that has relied on him at several points throughout the year.
Nick O'Leary will do his best to replace the production of Clay, but he isn't the same athlete. Still, he's already proven that he can be productive in a pass catching role and Tyrod will look to get him the ball when he's open. Their other tight end, Logan Thomas, is an athletic specimen. He hasn't quite adjusted to the tight end position yet, but Thomas will definitely give Tyrod a big target to throw to, especially in the red zone.
If Matthews can't come back this week, Zay Jones, the aforementioned tight ends, and a mix of other receivers will be the top targets. If Jordan does come back in week 7, as is being speculated, you can bet that Taylor will target him early and often throughout the game.
