The Buffalo Bills defeated the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL season. The game came down to the wire as we got our first look at Buffalo’s offensive game plan this season, and it was no surprise that it revolved heavily around Josh Allen.
The Bills’ quarterback is known for having a rocket arm and the ability to throw the ball deep downfield easily. He is also a dual-threat QB who can be an effective runner, especially at the goal line.
Allen wasted little time having an impact and finished with two passing and two rushing touchdowns. The worry with rushing quarterbacks is that they will either take extra hits or land awkwardly when trying to get into the endzone.
When the dust settled on the game, Buffalo won 34-28. As Allen shook hands with Arizona quarterback Kyler Murray, viewers quickly noticed his left hand wrapped in protective padding.
MORE THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL: Josh Allen’s record vs. Dolphins | Tua Tagovailoa’s record vs. Bills
What’s wrong with Josh Allen’s hand?
Allen dove into the endzone in the fourth quarter for his second touchdown in Buffalo’s Week 1 win over Arizona. He faked a pass, ran to the goal line and then hurdled Arizona defender Budda Baker. Allen got hit by two other defenders as he crossed the goal line and came down on his side, but his left wrist, gripping the ball, hit the ground first and he rolled onto it.
Most normal Josh Allen touchdown
pic.twitter.com/tiUoE7jnM4
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) September 8, 2024
Buffalo had another drive that ended in a field goal, but then Allen was shown with the protective wrap after the game. The quarterback got quick X-rays, and Bills head coach Sean McDermott confirmed that the quarterback had injured his non-throwing hand in that diving scoring play but that he was also cleared for practice.
Bills coach Sean McDermott said that quarterback Josh Allen has been cleared to practice today and to play in the game vs. the Dolphins on Thursday.
— Alaina Getzenberg (@agetzenberg) September 9, 2024
NFL POWER RANKINGS: Cowboys, Steelers flex; Packers, Browns slide
Will Josh Allen play in Week 2?
Allen and the Bills are on a short week as they will take on the Miami Dolphins for “Thursday Night Football.”
Allen was listed on the team’s injury report to start the week but was a full practice participant. He also logged a full practice on Tuesday before being estimated as a full participant for Wednesday’s walkthrough. He avoided an injury designation for the game and should suit up.
Wednesday injury report pic.twitter.com/UqeD6ZiYj6
— Buffalo Bills PR (@BuffaloBillsPR) September 11, 2024
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Bills QB depth chart
| Position on depth chart | Quarterback |
| QB1 | Josh Allen |
| QB2 | Mitchell Trubisky |
Allen is Buffalo’s unquestioned starter, and his job is not in doubt. His biggest knock is a high turnover rate between interceptions and fumbles, but he tends to make up for it with the number of rushing touchdowns he has.
Mitch Trubisky is the No. 2 quarterback and is the only other quarterback Buffalo has on the active roster. Shane Buechele is on injured reserve, and Mike White is on the practice squad to serve as the emergency quarterback if Allen and Trubisky get hurt.
