Buffalo Bills’ Josh Allen optimistic of being fit to face the Panthers

Josh Allen seems to be on the right track to recover from his foot injury and play the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, but the Buffalo Bills are understandably taking a cautious approach.

You can make the argument Josh Allen has regressed slightly from last season, when he led the Buffalo Bills to a 13-3-0 record and their first division title since 1995. He also set franchise season records for passing yards and touchdown throws, as he took the team to the AFC Championship Game and earned his inaugural Pro Bowl selection.

However, even if Allen has regressed at all, it doesn’t make him any less vital to the Bills and their chances of returning to the postseason. As such, there was a lot of understandable concern when Buffalo’s franchise quarterback was seen wearing a walking boot following last week’s heart-breaking overtime loss in Tampa.

It subsequently transpired that the 25-year-old was dealing with a mild case of turf toe. Bills’ head coach Sean McDermott advised on Monday that Allen was listed as day-to-day.

McDermott and his coaching staff are being sure to take a cautious approach with Allen, limiting his reps in practice this week. The last thing the Bills want to do is push their QB too hard and have him suffer a setback in his recovery.

McDermott firmly believes the Bills can afford to have Allen sit out Sunday’s game versus the Panthers if need be. Speaking to the media about backup QB Mitch Trubsiky, the Bills’ head coach said:

"“That’s why we brought Mitch in; he’s more than capable. There’s no hesitation there whatsoever (in playing him).”"

Regardless of the confidence in Trubisky, the reality is the Bills need Allen under centre if at all possible. At 7-6, you can make the case they cannot afford to lose any more games, with six teams handily placed to overtake them for the final playoff spot in the AFC.

Allen is still sore and while he is confident he will be able to play on Sunday, he appreciates how important the remainder of this week will be. Speaking to the media he said:

"“Obviously I want whatever’s the best opportunity for our team to win the football game, but if I can go, I’m going to go. It’s quite a bit better, and again, hats off to the training staff for putting up with me in the training room and giving me the attention that I’ve needed.”"

Assuming the 2018 seventh overall draft pick is healthy enough to play against Carolina, there’s every chance his rushing threat will be somewhat compromised. Last week against the Buccaneers, he had season highs of 12 rushing attempts and 109 yards on the ground.

How confident are you in the Buffalo Bills returning to winning ways against the Panthers? If needed, can they get a victory if Josh Allen does not play? Let us know in the comments section below.