Buffalo Bills: 3 questions at cornerback entering training camp

PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 15: Levi Wallace #39 of the Buffalo Bills reacts after a defensive stop on third down in the first quarter during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field on December 15, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) /

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PITTSBURGH, PA – DECEMBER 15: Taron Johnson #24 of the Buffalo Bills in action against the Pittsburgh Steelers on December 15, 2019 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

Can Taron Johnson stay healthy?

Another cornerback who has struggled to stay healthy in his career is the team’s starting nickel, Taron Johnson. In his first two years in the NFL, Johnson has missed a total of nine games, which is potentially an issue for a defense that relies so heavily on the nickel formation.

In the final nine games last season, Johnson was on the field for 50% or more of the defensive snaps in eight of those games. This is why the nickel position is so vital and why if Johnson misses any time, it limits what the coaching staff can do with this defense.

The Bills are lacking a clear backup to Johnson but do have some options like E.J. Gaines, who could play this role. The team did use Siran Neal in place of Taron Johnson when he was hurt last year and could step in as well. However, Neal is the topic of the next question.

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