This week without question the x-factor for the Buffalo Bills is going to be another starting offensive line. Last week, the Bills had to shuffle players around due to Spencer Brown’s back injury and this week they will be forced to shuffle more players with Jon Feliciano, who is dealing with a calf injury, joining Brown on the sidelines this week.
Last week, the Buffalo Bills moved Daryl Williams, who had been playing right guard since Week 4, back to right tackle, where he started the season and played all of last year. The team then moved Jon Feliciano from left guard to right guard, where he played last year and most of his career.
These moves opened the door for Ike Boettger to return to the starting lineup at left guard. This is where he played most of the second half of last season and was when the offensive line was playing some of their best football.
Cody Ford is the wild card for the Buffalo Bills
The absence of Feliciano this week should mean the return of Cody Ford. He was a second round pick by the Buffalo Bills in 2019 and played right tackle most of his rookie season.
However, last year he moved inside to guard, which is probably his best position in the NFL. He moved between left and right guard before suffering a season-ending knee injury.
He returned in time for training camp and won the starting right guard job to start the year. However, he struggled a bit early and this, combined with the performance of Spencer Brown, was the catalyst for the coaching staff making the switch to the offensive line back in Week 4.
Coaches and players this week were asked about Cody Ford and there still appears to be confidence that he can get the job done. Sean McDermott said earlier in the week that since he was benched he has “gone back to the drawing board to adjust some things technique-wise”, according to Heather Prusak of News 4 Buffalo.
Left tackle Dion Dawkins was also asked about Cody Ford this week and said he has been ‘dialed in’ this week.
With Spencer Brown and Jon Feliciano already ruled out for Sunday, Cody Ford's in line to return to the #Bills starting line-up.
— Jon Scott (@JonScottTV) November 5, 2021
Dion Dawkins once again providing insight on how Ford's handled things, especially this week with another opportunity to see the field. pic.twitter.com/8PTY67lxbA
It is never ideal for a team to be without two of their starting offensive linemen, especially in a week with pass rusher Josh Allen on the other side. However, this is why general manager Brandon Beane focused on adding the depth he did to be able to account for these exact situations.
This is a great opportunity for Cody Ford to show he belongs in the offensive line and will be a good test for the Buffalo Bills this week.