The Buffalo Bills pulled off a comeback for their record books by beating the Baltimore Ravens 23-20 as time ran out on Sunday, winning a game they never had the lead in for the first time ever. team history.
But in the process, the Bills, who have had their share of injuries in the first three games of the 2022 season, added another player to their injury roster Monday morning.
Jamison Crowder left Sunday’s game after being injured on a seven-yard punt return early in the third quarter. After being assessed on the sideline, Crowder was seen with a cast on his left leg and taken to the locker room on a cart and the Bills listed Crowder as doubtful to return with an ankle injury.
On Monday morning, more injury news came out, as it was reported that the injury was actually a broken ankle and that Crowder would undergo further tests to see if there was any further damage. One would assume they are looking for any additional ligament damage that may have occurred alongside the rupture.
#Invoices WR Jamison Crowder broke his ankle in Sunday’s dramatic victory over the #Crows, the source said. He will have further tests to see what other damage went with him, but Crowder is now out indefinitely.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 3, 2022
While an action plan for Crowder’s recovery has yet to be set, it’s possible it could end the season for the veteran receiver. It is speculated that Buffalo will place Crowder on IR, making room on their active roster to raise a practice squad player or sign another veteran.
Crowder has been in the league for eight seasons, having started his career in 2015 with the Washington Commanders before playing for the New York Jets for the 2019-2021 seasons. The Bills signed the wide receiver in the offseason after releasing Cole Beasley.
While Crowder had six receptions for 60 yards without a touchdown this season, he was the team’s leading punt returner after returning nine punts for 100 yards with four fair catches in four games.
When Crowder left the game, Buffalo rookie receiver Khalil Shakir took over, catching two passes for 23 yards.
The Bills are already short at receiver as Jake Kumerow missed Sunday’s game with an ankle injury and Isaiah McKenzie is in concussion protocol after taking a hard hit from a midfield hold.
Along with Shakir, Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis, who himself has been struggling with an ankle injury for two weeks, are the only receivers available on the 53-man roster today. The Bills, however, have Tavon Austin, Tanner Gentry and Isaiah Hodgens on the practice squad. Marquez Stevenson, who was placed on IR at the start of the season, missed the required four action games and would be eligible to return to the active roster if healthy.
So for Buffalo, it’s this time again: Next man up.