In a stunning turn of events that’s sure to electrify Bills Mafia, the Buffalo Bills have made a massive roster shake-up just in time for their high-stakes Divisional Round clash. The team announced the activation of two key veterans—wide receiver Curtis Samuel and defensive tackle Ed Oliver—from the Injured Reserve (IR) list, bolstering their depleted lineup ahead of Saturday’s showdown against the top-seeded Denver Broncos.
This move comes at a critical juncture for the Bills, who are navigating the toughest path in the AFC playoffs. After grinding out a hard-fought victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars last Sunday—the Jags’ first loss in over two months—Buffalo now heads to Denver for a road battle against the No. 1 seed. With injuries piling up across the roster, these activations could be the game-changer the Bills desperately need.
Ed Oliver: The Sack Machine Returns
Ed Oliver, the powerhouse defensive tackle in his seventh season with the Bills, has been sidelined since late October due to a bicep injury. This year has been uncharacteristically quiet for the 28-year-old, who’s appeared in just three games after averaging over 15 per season in his first six years.
Oliver burst out of the gates in Week 1, notching six tackles and a sack in Buffalo’s win over the Baltimore Ravens. He sat out until Week 6 against the Atlanta Falcons, followed by Week 8 against the Carolina Panthers (with a bye in between). Tragically, he reinjured himself in that Panthers victory and hasn’t seen the field since.
But here’s the silver lining: In every game he’s played this season, Oliver has recorded a sack. His return injects much-needed veteran presence into a defensive line that’s leaned heavily on rookies down the stretch. With the Broncos boasting a potent offense, Oliver’s disruptive force could be pivotal in containing Denver’s attack.
Both players have been added back to the 53-man roster but remain listed as questionable. However, reports from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport indicate they’re expected to suit up and contribute on Saturday.
Curtis Samuel: Desperately Needed Depth at Wideout
On the offensive side, Curtis Samuel’s activation couldn’t come at a better time. The Bills’ wide receiver room has been decimated by injuries, leaving them perilously thin. Gabe Davis and Tyrell Shavers both landed on IR following last Sunday’s playoff triumph, joining Joshua Palmer on the sidelines.
Without Samuel, Buffalo would be rolling into Denver with just three healthy receivers: Brandin Cooks, Keon Coleman, and Khalil Shakir. That’s a recipe for disaster against a Broncos secondary that’s been locking down opponents all season.
Samuel, who’s battled a neck and elbow injury, has had a underwhelming year statistically—managing only seven catches across six games. But stats don’t tell the whole story here. The Bills aren’t looking for a superstar performance; they need bodies, experience, and versatility. Samuel’s speed and route-running could open up the field for quarterback Josh Allen, providing a spark in a must-win scenario.
The Bills’ playoff journey has been anything but easy, and this activation feels like a lifeline. Facing the Broncos on the road in the thin air of Mile High Stadium, Buffalo needs every edge they can get. Oliver shores up the interior defense, while Samuel prevents the offense from becoming one-dimensional.
Head coach Sean McDermott hasn’t commented extensively, but the message is clear: These veterans are battle-tested and ready to roll. As kickoff approaches on Saturday afternoon, all eyes will be on how these returns impact the game.
Bills fans, get hyped—this could be the boost that propels Buffalo deeper into the playoffs. Stay tuned for more updates as we inch closer to gametime!
