The Buffalo Bills lost their second game of the season to the Atlanta Falcons with a 24-14 score. Josh Allen was in the limelight, though, as he appeared to have injured his left hand in the first half. Even though he played through it, his seeming discomfort raised health issues.

After the loss, in his press conference, the MVP broke the gloom regarding the condition of his injuries. When asked if he hurt his hand in the first half. The QB of the Bills gave a confident “No” as an answer. And later ensured that he’s good to go.

Despite his answer, the tape told otherwise, Allen winced a number of times and appeared to curl his fingers between snaps. Nevertheless, he played despite the pain, an indictment of his typical competitiveness, though the pain may have affected his rhythm.

At the beginning of the second quarter, Allen got roughed up by a passel of Falcons defenders on third-and-8 with 12:43 remaining. Atlanta cornerback Dee Alford also took credit for a 15-yard sack, one which made the Bills’ quarterback flinch and clutch his left arm in pain.

Cameras captured Allen shaking his left hand as he walked off, sending instant suspicion that he re-hurt a prior injury. The moment struck fear because Allen played most of last season with a broken left hand, something he did suffer in Week 1 of the 2024 season. He had been wearing a white glove and protector tape for months, making everyone feel nostalgic.

The Falcons sacked the Bills’ QB four times, clearly outshining the Bills. That allowed Atlanta’s defense to hammer the Bills again and again. The bye week couldn’t have happened at a more opportune moment for the Bills, who are 4-2 with starters working through injuries and momentum at risk.

However, the injury concern does not stop here.

Sean McDermott on Bills’ star

The Bills got a shocker even before they went on the field. Defensive tackle DaQuan Jones was declared out of the game. His injury adds up to the already long list of the Bills.

“He popped his calf,” McDermott said while addressing the media. However, he didn’t give a detailed update on his injury.

He got hurt in the pre-game warm-ups. Deone Walker stepped in his place. Although the seriousness of Jones’ injury can’t be defined yet.

The Bills had already lost T.J. Sanders and DeWayne Carter to season-ending injuries, and Ed Oliver sat out a couple of games but played against Atlanta. Buffalo plugged the gap by bringing back Jordan Phillips from the practice squad ahead of Monday’s game.

The relentless rotation along the line of defense unveiled itself, however, as Falcons’ line pushed around in the point of attack, exemplified by Robinson’s burst TD dash. After the defeat, McDermott was not afraid to show his team’s overall effort. “Just not good enough….we gotta figure it out,” the head coach asserted.

They were unable to overcome. The Falcons’ stifling defense made Buffalo struggle to find their rhythm, and their failure on offense to keep Allen bottled up or running successfully held them back from a place where they could make a comeback.

The Bills have a lot to mend, from Allen’s ongoing soreness to the depth chart in shambles due to injury. But with time to recharge and some of their key players who will be back soon, Buffalo is still close enough to strike in the AFC. Meanwhile, rest is the priority.