ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — With protective tape covering the back of his forearm and the elbow of his throwing arm, quarterback Josh Allen was scheduled to practice fully Wednesday despite experiencing what coach Sean McDermott described as “general soreness.”
Not to mention Allen complained of discomfort in his left shoulder during Thursday’s 23-19 loss to Houston, a game in which he was sacked eight times, marking a career-high. Buffalo (7-4) prepares to play Pittsburgh (6-5) on Sunday.
What may also concern Allen is that Buffalo may be without its two best guards.
Left tackle Dion Dawkins is in a concussion protocol. McDermott said Dawkins was evaluated for a concussion and cleared to return during the game before developing symptoms a day later.
Spencer Brown is also unlikely to play right tackle after injuring his right shoulder against Houston.
Backup Ryan Van Demark would be a candidate to replace Dawkins, while rookie Chase Lundt, a sixth-round draft pick, would replace Brown. Buffalo’s offensive line has been durable this season, with Brown being the only starter to miss a game.
McDermott expressed concern about the number of hits Allen has taken this season. He has been sacked 28 times, doubling his total from last year.
“If we want to win or give ourselves a chance to win, we have to improve there,” McDermott said.
“It’s not fun. I have to get better at clearing the ball,” Allen admitted after the game in which he was hit 12 times. “Too often I went backwards, and I have to get better at that.”
Allen was healthy enough to travel and attend Wyoming’s home game against Nevada on Saturday. He was joined by his wife, actress Hailee Steinfeld, and his parents for a ceremony in which Wyoming retired his No. 17 jersey.
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AP Sports: https://apnews.com/hub/deportes
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