The Buffalo Bills have offered a positive sign over DJ Moore’s availability for a clash with the Las Vegas Raiders, but there is still uncertainty over whether the wide receiver will return.
Moore missed Buffalo’s win over the Los Angeles Rams with a lingering shoulder injury. The issue also forced him out of the second half of the previous week’s defeat to the New England Patriots.
The Bills are coming off a 37-point performance against the Rams and will have a bye week after facing Las Vegas, giving them a chance to prioritise Moore’s recovery if he is not fully fit.
Buffalo Bills’ roster decision offers hope over DJ Moore return
The Bills did not elevate any players from their practice squad for the next game, according to The Athletic’s Joe Buscaglia.
That is a notable change from last week, when Buffalo brought up wide receiver and special teams regular Trent Sherfield. His elevation was an early indication that Moore would be unavailable against the Rams.
With no additional receiver called up this time, there is reason to believe Moore could be back in the line-up. However, the roster decision does not confirm that he will play.
Buffalo struggled to get its passing game going early against the Rams, leaving Josh Allen to improvise when his receivers could not get open. Allen responded with a strong second half and overtime, finishing with 121 rushing yards, a rushing touchdown and a passing touchdown.
Despite the encouraging signs, WGR 550 reporter Sal Capaccio believes the Bills could decide against rushing Moore back.
“My feeling is no. Not playing, that’s my feeling, that he wouldn’t play,” Capaccio said of Moore. “He wants to play. We know that, right? He wants to play, that’s just in his nature.”
Capaccio also suggested the Bills could take a cautious approach with Moore and defensive tackle Ed Oliver, who was also listed as questionable on the final injury report.
The Bills managed to beat the Rams without Moore and scored 37 points in the process. With a bye week coming up, they have an opportunity to give the receiver extra time to recover rather than risk aggravating his shoulder injury.
Moore’s desire to play may not be enough to secure his return. Buffalo’s final decision will depend on whether he is healthy enough to contribute against the Raiders.
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