The Buffalo Bills had a relatively easier path to the Super Bowl this year. With Kansas City Chiefs and Cincinnati Bengals out of playoff contention, the Bills’ 11-4 record was supposed to be an indication of their impending success this year. But the sight of Josh Allen limping toward the tunnel after their 23-20 victory over the Cleveland Browns was enough for panic to set in. While Allen maintains he’s “gravy, baby!” and is expected to play in Week 17, questions persist for Sean McDermott, especially after Shane Buechele’s move to the Chiefs.

“We’ll look into that part,” the head coach said when asked about signing another quarterback. “More than anything, I’m happy for Shane. He and his family, they’ve been with us and done a phenomenal job. I have a ton of respect, love and admiration for Shane.”

It’s understandable why the quarterback room would be a cause for worry.

With Buechele’s departure to Andy Reid’s arsenal, which he was also part of between 2021-23, the Bills are only left with Josh Allen as the starting quarterback and Mitchell Trubisky as the backup. Why’s that worrying?

For starters, Allen sustained a foot injury minutes before halftime on Sunday when Browns’ defensive end Alex Wright pulled off a spectacular effort. Down 20-10, Wright wiggled off offensive tackle Spencer Brown’s clutches to chase the quarterback. Allen, unable to complete a pass in time, retreated toward the goal line where he twisted his foot before falling to the ground.

Immediately grabbing his right leg, the quarterback then walked over to the huddle to continue to play. However, after carrying for one yard on third-and-23, he was unable to deal with the pain any longer and walked off the field limping in the second quarter.

While his team announced at halftime a positive X-ray result, and that Allen would be returning, by the end it was clear that things were not as hunky dory.

In the final minutes of the clash, the QB left the field again. He sat on the bench as trainers carefully took off his right cleat. Allen then retreated to the locker room without a shoe on his right foot.

Mr. Thursday is currently on a day-to-day status, as informed by McDermott. If things derail further, or Allen suffers any other injuries during their upcoming Philadelphia Eagles clash, the onus then falls on Trubisky.

The backup has enough NFL experience (81 games; 57 starts) to carry the offense. In the previous two seasons with the Bills, he has played 12 games (zero starts), completing 22 of 32 passes for 233 passing yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions or sacks.

Even in his earlier stint with the Bills in 2021, he played 6 games while passing for 43 yards. So, his potential as a starter hasn’t been tested in recent years.

However, the Bills could prepare in advance to add a third quarterback. Or not, given Josh Allen’s confidence.

Josh Allen clears any doubts about injury

Josh Allen hasn’t missed a game with an injury since his rookie year. In 2018, the MVP was out for four games with an injury to his throwing elbow.

While McDermott said that he was just sore this time around, Allen also echoed a similar sentiment after the game.

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“The pain subsided,” he said on Sunday. “So we’re good.”

The best move forward could be to rest Josh Allen, to have him at his best shape for the playoffs. The team already have one foot inside the postseason with 11 wins.

It’s interesting how Sean McDermott moves ahead.