The Miami Dolphins have had an incredibly difficult time defeating the Buffalo Bills over the last several years, especially since Josh Allen took over under center for the latter.
Since Allen was drafted by Buffalo with the 7th overall pick of the 2018 NFL Draft, the Bills have had the Dolphins’ number in a major way, going 13-2 over that span including the playoffs. Allen and the Bills had their way with the Dolphins in Week 2 this year, winning 31-10 at Hard Rock Stadium.
Miami’s had particularly difficult luck against Buffalo in Highmark Stadium, where they haven’t won since the 2016 season, well before most folks in the building were with the franchise.
Now, the challenge of getting that much-needed win in Buffalo is going to be even greater after Mike McDaniel’s press conference on Friday. Four starters in DL Zach Sieler (eye), S Jevon Holland (knee/hand), CB Kader Kohou, and TE Julian Hill (shoulder) appear set to miss the game on Sunday after missing practice the first two days this week. McDaniel ruled out Hill and said he was pessimistic about the chances of the rest to play.
McDaniel did say that he feels good about the chances of Tyreek Hill – who’s still dealing with a lingering foot issue – being able to play on Sunday.
The blow is a big one for the Dolphins, particularly for a defense that fell flat in the second half against Arizona. Sieler’s importance in the middle can’t be understated, from where he also provides a solid pass rush. The absence of Holland and Kohou will also likely be felt in coverage.
The full extent of who’s been ruled out and who has received a questionable or doubtful designation will be revealed later on Friday, when the final injury report is released.