Stumbling Buffalo Bills now ailing as they arrive in London
The Buffalo Bills left for London not long after their loss to the undefeated Bengals, and arrived at around 6 a.m. EST to spend the week in the city in advance of the franchise’s first game in the U.K.
But after opening the season last month with high expectations and a great deal of buzz thanks to coach Rex Ryan, the Bills arrived in a bit of turmoil: defensive lineman Mario Williams complained on Sunday about his role in the defense, and now they could be without several key players.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported on Monday that defensive end Kyle Williams did not make the trip after suffering a knee injury against Cincinnati, and ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that receiver Percy Harvin won’t play this week because of a hip injury.
Rapoport also said receiver Percy Harvin did make the trip, though he did so in a walking boot after injuring his ankle in the end zone on Sunday and his availability against the Jaguars is to be determined.
Quarterback Tyrod Taylor could not play against the Bengals due to a knee injury, with EJ Manuel starting in his place. Curiously, Rapoport reported before the game that a strong performance by Manuel could re-open the team’s quarterback competition. Taylor, whom Ryan has said he had been trying to acquire since his days with the Jets, has been solid, completing 70 percent of his passes, with nine touchdowns and four interceptions.
Despite starting the season with a schedule that saw them at home for four of their first six games, the Bills are now 3-3 for the season, with all three of their losses coming at Ralph Wilson Stadium. The defense, which has talented players and was supposed to be a standout under Ryan, is allowing more than 23 points and 370 yards per game thus far.
