The Buffalo Bills were forced into a late defensive reshuffle on Thursday night. The team’s star defensive tackle, Ed Oliver, suffered a hip injury during pregame warmups and was ruled inactive ahead of the team’s NFL clash against the Detroit Lions.
9 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. Over eight seasons, he has recorded 30 career sacks, establishing himself as a disruptive interior pass rusher and run defender. Without Oliver, Detroit may find more room to establish its running game behind standout running back Jahmyr Gibbs, who rushed for 156 yards and two touchdowns on 29 carries in last week’s overtime victory over the New Orleans Saints.
The Bills announced Oliver as inactive shortly before kickoff after he injured his hip during pregame warmups. No further details about the severity of the injury were immediately released. The team has yet to provide a timeline for his recovery. Buffalo’s defensive front was already stretched entering Thursday’s match vs. the Lions. Rookie defensive tackle T.J. Sanders was unavailable, leaving the Bills thinner in the middle of the defensive line. Oliver has been one of Buffalo’s most consistent defenders since being selected with the No. The Bills had hoped their defensive line would take advantage of the loud atmosphere during the opening game at the new Highmark Stadium. Crowd noise was expected to make communication difficult for Lions quarterback Jared Goff and Detroit’s offensive line.
