Josh Allen’s mobility proved to be the game-changer in the Bills’ season opener, though the quarterback expressed some regret over his approach.
Allen rushed for two touchdowns in Buffalo’s 34-28 victory over the Arizona Cardinals on September 28, including the decisive score late in the fourth quarter. However, he sustained an injury on that play after going airborne and landing awkwardly on his left hand. After the game, Allen reflected on the risks he took.
Allen Injured on Game-Winning Run
With the Bills leading 24-20 and just under nine minutes remaining, Allen scrambled out of the pocket and sprinted six yards for a touchdown. As he jumped to evade Cardinals safety Budda Baker, defensive lineman Justin Jones knocked him to the ground just as Allen crossed the goal line.
Most normal Josh Allen touchdown
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— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) September 8, 2024
Allen landed hard on his left side, his hand pinned under his body. After celebrating the touchdown, he was seen checking his hand.
Postgame, Allen acknowledged that he might need to tone down his aggressive running style.
“For the first touchdown, I lowered my shoulder because I knew it was a corner,” Allen said, per ESPN. “But on the second one, it was Budda, and he’s a hard hitter, so I tried to go over the top. I probably shouldn’t make a habit of that, but here we are.”
The Bills have been cautioning Allen about his risky play for some time. After he rushed a career-high 124 times in the 2022 season, general manager Brandon Beane emphasized the need for Allen to limit hits on his body.
“The only thing I’ll criticize Josh for is taking too many hits,” Beane told the *Democrat & Chronicle*. “We need to work on that.”
Allen finished the game with his left hand taped, telling reporters afterward that he felt “fine,” though he didn’t confirm if he might miss any time. He underwent X-rays, but the team did not immediately update the severity of the injury.
With a short week ahead and a Monday Night Football matchup against the Miami Dolphins, head coach Sean McDermott said he hoped to know soon whether Allen would be ready to play.
“We’re always concerned when anyone gets hurt,” McDermott said via ESPN. “Especially Josh. We’ll know more soon, hopefully within a few hours.”
Despite an early fumble, Allen bounced back with a solid performance, completing 18-of-23 passes for 232 yards and two touchdowns while adding 39 rushing yards and two scores on the ground.
