Another bad news for Buffalo Bills fans.
On a positive note, great to hear a good update on health safety and fan favorite Micah Hyde.
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But given the current circumstances, that’s a big bummer.
The Bills’ 2022 season ended early Sunday in the divisional round of the AFC playoffs. The Cincinnati Bengals defeated the Bills in a 27-10 final.
Had things gone differently, Hyde would have gotten back out there.
A day after the loss, players including Hyde spoke on locker cleaning day. As is usually the case, since there is no upcoming opponent, things will be revealed. No more gimmicks required.
Hyde had not been suitable for the Bills since Week 2 due to a neck injury. He said via video conference Monday he’ll do just that next weekend should Buffalo beat Cincinnati and advance to the AFC Championship.
“Well, actually I was acquitted,” Hyde said. “The next game I could go out and play.”
Hyde has roamed safety alongside Jordan Poyer through Buffalo secondary since 2017. Up until this year, the two have remained remarkably healthy considering what the NFL can be like. The duo have missed a game or two here and there, but never to the extent that Hyde did in 2022.
Hyde noted he was acquitted “late” last week. A few days earlier, Buffalo head coach Sean McDermott said that Hyde was ruled out and would see “no action” against the Bengals.
McDermott said it wouldn’t have made much of a difference. Had the team felt it was wise to activate him even after McDermott said so, they would have done so.
Hyde probably just wasn’t involved enough in the game preparations. After not playing since September, it’s probably wise not to just throw a guy out even if he’s a Pro Bowl-quality defender.
Besides, the team could really have used him. Not only Damar Hamlin was out for the foreseeable future, substitute Dean Marlowe suffered a groin injury against Cincinnati.
After the realization hit Hyde, he admitted that 2022 was a rollercoaster ride. Between being hurt, recovering and so close to a return, that’s an understandable feeling.
“Obviously that was the most unique season I’ve ever had apart. I’m working my way back to being part of this team. Go out there and try to help in any way you can,” Hyde said. “Just a lot of ups and downs this year.”
Not to mention Poyer is a free agent.
The two have been a tandem at Orchard Park for years and an appearance in the AFC title game could have been at least one more time the two played side by side. That is, if Poyer could play since he was injured late against the Bengals.
Now Buffalo and the Bills dressing room will move forward wondering if the two will get another chance in 2023.
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