4 Buffalo Bills who need to step up in Ed Oliver’s absence in Week 2

Which players on the Buffalo Bills defense could see an expanded role in Week 2 with Ed Oliver already ruled out?

One of the strengths of the Buffalo Bills roster entering this season was the depth of the defensive line. They brought in a number of players, signing five free agents this offseason in total across the defensive tackle and defensive end positions.

That depth is now going to be tested with Ed Oliver already ruled out for Week 2 and potentially being without Tim Settle, who is listed as doubtful.

The challenge for the coaching staff this week is finding players who can help replace the pass-rushing ability of Ed Oliver but also understand the focus this week is stopping the run so finding players that can contribute there as well.

The good news is that the team does have great depth along the defensive line and these four players can help replace some of what they will be missing with Ed Oliver, and potentially Tim Settle.

4 Buffalo Bills who need to step up in Ed Oliver’s absence in Week 2

Jordan Phillips

Jordan Phillips stepped in for Ed Oliver after his ankle injury in Week 1 and played very well. He would finish the game with 1.5 sacks and look like the player who led the Bills in sacks back in 2019, his last season with the team.

While defending the run isn’t necessarily the strength of his game, he is certainly going to have to help with how run-heavy the Tennessee Titans’ offense is with Derrick Henry in the backfield. When considering that Oliver is already out, and Tim Settle is likely to miss this game as well, Phillips should play close to 50% of the snaps this week.

This is another big opportunity for Jordan Phillips as he tries to have a bounce-back year after two down years in Arizona.