On Tuesday, Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott was able to provide some good news as Jon Feliciano, Spencer Brown and Star Lotulelei all were able to return to practice. The Bills also announced corresponding moves with Tommy Doyle being placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list and Tre’Davious White being placed on injured reserve.
This doesn’t necessarily mean they are guaranteed to return on Monday night against the New England Patriots but is a big step in the right direction.
Jon Feliciano has been out since the beginning of November after suffering a calf injury against the Miami Dolphins and would miss the next four games.
He isn’t the only offensive lineman potentially returning this week as Spencer Brown also returned to practice. He has spent the past two games on the Reserve/COVID-19 list and losing both players during that time has been challenging for the offensive line.
If both players are able to return, the Bills are likely to move Daryl Williams, who was playing right tackle, back inside to right guard with Brown starting at right tackle. This would also allow Jon Feliciano to return to left guard and replace Ike Boettger, who has started the past five games.
Star Lotulelei will be a big boost for the Buffalo Bills run defense
The third player is defensive tackle Star Lotulelei, who has missed the previous three games. He was placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list the morning of the New York Jets game in Week 10.
Lotulelei returned this season after opting out of last season due to the pandemic and has been a key part of this Buffalo Bills defensive line. The Bills have done a good job against the run most of the season but struggled at times during Lotulelei’s absence, like Week 11 against Jonathan Taylor and the Indianapolis Colts.
If all three players are able to return Monday night, it will be a tremendous help for the Buffalo Bills as they prepare for a key regular season showdown with the New England Patriots.