Bills expect Jones, Hyde back on D vs Patriots

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — A Buffalo Bills defense that has dealt with several major injuries is getting healthier at a key time.

Coach Sean McDermott said Friday that he anticipates both defensive tackle DaQuan Jones and safety Micah Hyde playing in Sunday’s game against the New England Patriots. Jones officially is listed as questionable for the game, while Hyde has no injury designation.

Jones went on injured reserve after suffering a pectoral injury in the Bills’ Week 5 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in London. After starting Jones’ 21-day practice window Dec. 19, the Bills released offensive lineman Germain Ifedi on Thursday, which opened up a roster spot.

“Put a lot of work in to get to this, and I’m just happy that my body was able to heal as quickly as it did,” Jones said. “I’m excited to be back out there with the guys and go out there and fly around and make plays and just have fun, play football.”

Jones, 32, will be a welcome addition back next to starting defensive tackle Ed Oliver, especially with rotational defensive lineman Jordan Phillips (wrist) on injured reserve.

“We didn’t know for sure whether he’d make it back or not, and I commend him for working so diligently and then having the desire to come back and play,” McDermott said. “That doesn’t always happen around the league, right? So I think that says a lot about who he is and what he thinks of this team and his teammates.”

Hyde, 32, missed the past two games with a stinger injury, which also forced him to miss a game earlier this season. At Friday’s practice, he was in a normal practice jersey after wearing a noncontact jersey in the other practices after his injury. Defensive back Taylor Rapp started in his place.

RB Ty Johnson (shoulder), who missed last week’s game vs. the Chargers, also does not have an injury designation. DE A.J. Epenesa (rib), S Damar Hamlin (shoulder) and rookie WR Justin Shorter, who has his 21-day practice window on injured reserve open, are all questionable.

The Bills could clinch a playoff spot with a win or tie Sunday depending on what happens to other AFC contenders.

McDermott said he expects linebacker Matt Milano, who injured his right leg against the Jaguars, to not be available for the postseason. Tyrel Dodson has primarily started in his place alongside middle linebacker Terrel Bernard.

“I believe that’s a no-go,” McDermott said. “I have not heard otherwise, so I’m gonna stay with what I understand to be the case.”