As the Buffalo Bills’ playoff push is threatened by a mounting injury list, the team has turned to a surprising veteran free agent to boost its defense. Following the defeat against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 15, the Miami Dolphins released linebacker Matthew Judon, who didn’t have to stay without a team for long. With the playoff season approaching, Josh Allen’s Buffalo Bills did not let this opportunity slip and signed him.

“Matthew Judon has now officially joined the #Bills practice squad,” posted Ian Rapoport, via X.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Insider had already teased the signing yesterday.

“The #Bills hosted veteran edge Matthew Judon today and they intend to sign him to their practice squad, per The Insiders,” posted Ian Rapoport, via X. “Potential help for the playoff push from the former Dolphin.”

When the news of the 33-year-old’s release was announced, there was a high possibility of him going to the Green Bay Packers. Micah Parsons’ ACL injury left a large hole in their linebacker list. Based on the situation, it seemed to be a likely scenario, but the Bills came out of nowhere.

However, it is not an entirely surprising move for the Bills. Matthew Judon is a four-time Pro-Bowler, having played for the Ravens, Patriots, Falcons, and Dolphins. He has 72 sacks and 9 forced fumbles to his name since joining the NFL in 2016. Most recently, Judon played for the Miami Dolphins and registered nine tackles in 13 games.

Before that, he recorded 5.5 sacks a year ago with the Falcons. Now, the veteran pass rusher will wear No. 36 with Buffalo. With injuries piling up at the Bills, Judon feels like a breath of hope for them.

The Buffalo Bills squad just turned into an injury fest

It was difficult to go through the Buffalo Bills’ injury report ahead of Week 16. Many may even confuse it with the team sheet, especially given how long it was. Defensive tackle Jordan Phillips, kicker Matt Prater, and offensive tackle Chase Lundt are sidelined because of an ankle, right quad, and knee injury, respectively.

Similar to them, Taron Johnson and DaQuan Jones also did not practice on Friday. They were put under veteran rest.

Wideouts Dalton Kincaid (knee injury) and Mecole Hardman (ankle injury) fully participated on Friday, but it is unclear whether they will make it to the active list on Sunday.

Top Stories

Tom Brady Hints at Nefarious Actions From Bears After Packers Lose Sideline Heaters

Prayers Pour In From Terrell Owens as 275lbs Former Cowboys Player Announces Major Health News

Josh Allen Makes Lifetime Buffalo Announcement as Pregnant Hailee Steinfeld Receives Bills QB’s Clear Family Plan

Travis Kelce Reveals Real Reason Behind Decision to Snub the Media Amid Retirement Rumors

Rams Legend Aaron Donald Makes a Strong NFL Comeback Claim Amid Calls to Unretire

Christian Benford (toe injury), Terrel Bernard (elbow injury), Dion Dawkins (illness), Mitch Wishnowsky (right knee injury), and Cam Lewis (hamstring) were also named on the injury list. Out of all, Hardman and Lewis are questionable ahead of Week 16, while Benford, Bernard, and Jones’ status remains unspecified.

Having to deal with so many injuries so late in the season is not uncommon. But dealing with it all at once seemed to make things difficult for Josh Allen and his team. The Bills have a 99% chance of making the playoffs, regardless of whether they win or lose in Week 16. While it may provide them some relief after releasing their injury report, they will still be tense in the long run.

Signing Matthew Judon to the practice squad was a safe option for them in the situation. As they are preparing for the Browns in Cleveland, signing the linebacker probably won’t be the only thing on Sean McDermott’s mind. It will be interesting to see whether the Bills go for safer options (like Matthew Judon) after such news, or if all their players return before the ultimate showdown.