ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — Who knew an elbow could overshadow so many big and interesting storylines between the Bills and Vikings?
Of course when that elbow is attached to the throwing arm of Josh Allen, it makes a lot more sense.
After a week of wondering (and myself, doubting) whether or not Allen would play, it appears the MVP candidate indeed will take the field Sunday.
As I said, there's plenty of other things to keep in mind as we head into this game, so let's dive into it all.
Super Allen
The Bills not elevating Matt Barkley from the practice squad a clear indication that Josh Allen is healthy enough to play Sunday against the Vikings.
Allen was able to get a limited practice in on Friday and is officially listed as questionable.
As for any limitations, Sean McDermott made it clear Friday that if Allen played, he would need to be able to play as he usually does.
I'll add that the Bills consistently take a very cautious and conservative approach with all injuries, so if Allen is out there, I believe he is not limited much at all or in any real danger of making the elbow injury worse.
Diggs Faces Vikings For First Time
This is what I thought would be the big story this week.
Stefon Diggs facing the Vikings for the first time since being traded to the Bills in March of 2020.
Diggs played his first five seasons in the NFL with Minnesota, who drafted him in the fifth round in 2015.
He caught 365 receptions for 4,623 yards and 30 touchdowns in 70 games in purple.
The wide receiver saying this week that going against his former team will not be "personal," noting the growth he's made since coming to the Bills, a place he believes is where he was meant to be.
It's been a rare win-win blockbuster trade in the NFL, with Diggs catching 290 receptions for 3,617 yards and 25 TDs in just 41 games with the Bills, earning two Pro Bowl selections and 1st team All-Pro honors in 2020.
The Vikings used the 22nd overall pick acquired from the Bills to draft Justin Jefferson, who has 255 receptions for 3,883 yards and 20 TDs in 41 games since entering the league in 2020.
Up in Air Secondary
The Vikings rank 10th in the NFL in passing offense at 238.1 yards per game.
The Bills pass defense is seventh in the league by allowing 194.8 yards per game.
Once again, the secondary is dealing with injuries and unknowns.
The elevation of Xavier Rhodes from the practice squad is an indicator that Kaiir Elam won't play Sunday because of an ankle injury that kept him out of practice Thursday and Friday.
Elam had been rotating with fellow rookie Christian Benford as Dane Jackson was at the other cornerback spot.
Of course there still is the question as to whether or not this is the week Tre'Davious White finally returns.
White was activated a week and a half ago, but did not suit up against the Jets.
McDermott remains tight-lipped regarding White's status, continuing to simply refer to him as day-to-day.
Then there's the safety position, which once again will be without Jordan Poyer.
Jaquan Johnson has been Poyer's fill-in this season, but Dean Marlowe or even Cam Lewis could be in the mix as well as Johnson's had some struggles.
All this happening as Jefferson rolls into town top five in the NFL in targets (84 - fourth), receptions (59 - fifth), and yards (867 - second).
Big plays are his thing, averaging 14.7 yards per reception.
Jefferson has seen 11+ targets in five of the Vikings eight games, with six-plus catches in seven of eight.
He's gone over 100+ receiving yards in five of their eight games.
The other pass-catching weapons to deal with are Adam Thielen, former UB standout K.J. Osborn, and newly-acquired T.J. Hockenson, who caught all 9 of his targets for 70 yards in his Minnesota debut last week.
Another Run Defense Test
Another thing Allen's elbow really glossed over was how the Bills run defense has performed of late.
The 2nd half against the Packers and especially the final drive against the Jets were troublesome, with Aaron Jones, A.J. Dillon, Michael Carter, and James Robinson ripping off chunks at will.
It's a departure from how the Bills D defended the run most of the early portion of the season, still ranking sixth overall by allowing 104.9 yards per game.
The name Dalvin Cook might strike fear that another tough test may be in store Sunday afternoon inside Highmark Stadium.
Overall, Cook has 608 yards rushing and five TDs on the season, averaging 4.6 yards per carry.
However, the three-time Pro Bowl back has just one game of 100+ rushing yards and is averaging just 76 per game, the second lowest of his career.
The weather Sunday might produce a wintry mix, so ground and pound might be in the game plan for the visitors.
Oh, and his younger brother James will be on the Bills sidelines.
Greg Rousseau is the only defensive lineman the Bills will miss, as he's week-to-week with an ankle injury that had him in a boot this week.
On the Line
BUF (-6.5)
O/U: 44
Injury Report
VIKINGS
OUT: CB Can Dantzler (ankle), DL Dalvin Tomlinson (calf)
BILLS
OUT: DE Greg Rousseau (ankle), S Jordan Poyer (elbow)
DOUBTFUL: CB Kaiir Elam (ankle)
QUESTIONABLE: QB Josh Allen (ankle), LB Tremaine Edmunds (groin/heel)
Bills and Vikings set to kick-off inside Highmark Stadium at 1 p.m.
**Make sure to tune into Spectrum New 1 right after the game for "Buffalo End Zone." Our LIVE postgame show brings you highlights, analysis, and team reaction from Sean McDermott and players. Join Kevin Carroll, Bills beat reporter Jon Scott, and former Bills running back Fred Jackson as they give their thoughts on what went down between the Bills and Vikings. That's "Buffalo End Zone" once the game is over, only on Spectrum News 1.**
