The last time Miami collided with the Buffalo Bills, the Dolphins’ season got thrown off course.
Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa sustained a concussion in the third quarter of a 31-10 home loss to Buffalo on Sept. 12, and he missed the next four games. The Dolphins lost three times during that span, averaging 10 points in those four contests.
With Tagovailoa now back in the fold, Miami will attempt to get back on track when it heads to Orchard Park, N.Y., on Sunday afternoon for a rematch with the Bills.
Tagovailoa made his return last Sunday, completing 28 of 38 passes for 234 yards and a touchdown in a 28-27 setback against the Cardinals. Chad Ryland booted a 34-yard field goal as time expired to complete Arizona’s rally from a nine-point fourth-quarter deficit.
Although the Dolphins (2-5) fell further behind first-place Buffalo (6-2) in the AFC East, Tagovailoa believes there is still time for Miami to make a push.
“Seventeen games. That’s a long time. A lot of games,” Tagovailoa said. “So whether we’re counted out or we’re not, it doesn’t matter. We’re going to continue to play football. … Anything’s possible.
“So we’re going to continue to trust each other, lean on each other, believe in each other and we’re going to go do it (against the Bills).”
Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen knows the Bills can’t take the Dolphins lightly, no matter their record.
“They’ve got some real, real playmakers on the defensive side of the ball. I know their record doesn’t indicate it, but they’re playing really good football right now,” Allen said. “So, we got to be ready for whatever they can throw at us. Got to have a good week of practice and again, make adjustments in-game and go from there.”
Wins have been piling up for Buffalo, which beat the Seahawks 31-10 last Sunday for its third victory in a row. Allen threw two touchdowns against Seattle, while James Cook rushed for two more to go along with 111 yards on 17 carries.
Cook shredded Miami in September, hauling in a TD pass before scoring twice on the ground.
Linebacker Von Miller could provide the Bills with a boost on defense this week after serving a four-game suspension. He was back at practice on Wednesday and was activated on Saturday.
“I’m in a great spot. I’m just happy all of that stuff is behind me,” Miller said. “Since I’ve been here with the Buffalo Bills, it’s either been injury or the PUP (physically unable to perform) list or the suspension, and I’m just happy to have all the stuff behind me for the first time in 2 1/2 years and just able to just focus on football.”
Only one player missed Buffalo’s practice on Friday: fullback Reggie Gilliam (hip). Wide receivers Amari Cooper (wrist) and Curtis Samuel (pectoral) as well as cornerback Christian Benford (wrist) were the only players limited in practice. They’re questionable and Gilliam is out for Sunday.
Five Dolphins missed practice Friday. Tight end Julian Hill (shoulder), cornerback Kader Kohou (neck), and defensive tackle Zach Sieler (eye) are all out for the game. Safety Jevon Holland (hand, knee) is listed as doubtful. Cornerbacks Storm Duck (ankle), wide receiver River Cracraft (shoulder), and fullback Alec Ingold (calf) are all questionable for Sunday.
