It’s officially game week for the Buffalo Bills as they prepare for a tough Week 1 matchup against the Houston Texans. With a new-look Bills team that is led by a new head coach, Bills Mafia is looking to see how things will turn out against an opponent that has had their number in recent years.
Last year's matchup featured the Texans' defense delivering a beatdown to Buffalo's offense, that included hitting Josh Allen 12 times, and bringing him down 8 times. The Texans ended up with the 23-19 win with backup quarterback Davis Mills. The Bills are looking to change the narrative that they can't win in Houston (which they haven't done since 2006).
A big component that is going to play a factor in Buffalo leaving Houston with a win is being as healthy as possible. In last year's game, the Bills were without tight end Dalton Kincaid which hurt the passing game from start to finish. While the Bills are set to have Kincaid, the Wednesday injury report should give Bills fans some concern surrounding one player.
One key reported injury should have Bills fans concerned for Week 1
According to the Buffalo Bills' PR X account, running back Ty Johnson missed Wednesday's practice which is a lingering injury that he sustained during the Bills' "Return of the Blue and Red" practice back in August. Along with Johnson, defensive back Jordan Hancock also didn't practice and defensive tackle T.J. Sanders was limited.
Johnson missed all of preseason, and still hasn't practice which is not the best sign for this Sunday.
Wednesday injury report pic.twitter.com/UXpqoB4hsU
— Buffalo Bills PR (@BuffaloBillsPR) September 9, 2026
Ty Johnson would be an extremely underrated loss for Bills if he's not ready
Even though James Cook is the leading rusher in the backfield, Ty Johnson provides so much versatility in both the run and pass game. He is a physical back who can fight for extra yardage. He can help protect Josh Allen in the pocket when he drops back, and he can also go out into the flat and turn on the jets to pick up a tough first down.
While Ray Davis might be the true RB2 behind Cook, Johnson helps open up the playbook for the offense. Not having him would be a big deal that isn’t being talked about enough. While there are still two more days where Johnson could suit up to get some kind of practice, the Bills might have to prepare to potentially elevate someone from the practice squad, like Frank Gore Jr., if Johnson is not ready to go.
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