The Buffalo Bills are getting a boost with the return of two veterans to their defense.
On his weekly WGR550 radio appearance, Bills coach Sean McDermott said defensive tackle DaQuan Jones will be active against the New England Patriots Sunday after missing the last 10 games due to a torn pectoral. Additionally, McDermott also said safety Micah Hyde is also expected to play after missing the last two games with a neck stinger.
Jones is in the second week of his 21-day window to return from injured reserve, but the Bills cleared space on the active roster by releasing offensive lineman Germain Ifedi Thursday. Jones will have to officially be signed to the active roster before playing Sunday.
McDermott also said defensive end A.J. Epenesa (rib) was “getting close” to returning to the lineup after missing the last two games and is listed as questionable after being a full participant in practice for the first time since the injury occurred against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Hyde and running back Ty Johnson (shoulder) also shed the red non-contact jerseys they have been wearing for the last couple weeks, while both were full participants in practice Friday. Safety Damar Hamlin was still wearing a red jersey Friday after injuring his shoulder against the Los Angeles Chargers and is listed as questionable.
Linebacker Terrell Bernard (ankle) practiced in full, while defensive back Cam Lewis (thumb/personal) did not practice Friday and Stefon Diggs received veteran rest.
Wide receiver Justin Shorter is questionable, but remains on injured reserve with a hamstring injury suffered during the preseason.