The Buffalo Bills added two-time All-Pro safety Micah Hyde to their practice squad on Wednesday. Head coach Sean McDermott approached the topic cautiously when discussing the possibility of the fan favorite returning to the active roster.
“To set expectations, Micah is currently in a practice squad role,” McDermott told reporters. “We have complete confidence in Taylor Rapp, Damar Hamlin, Cole Bishop, and Kareem Jackson. They’ve all been performing well in their current roles, which will remain unchanged. It’s great to have Micah back, along with his family.”
Hyde, a starter for the Bills over the past seven years, was a key part of one of the NFL’s top safety duos alongside Jordan Poyer. While Poyer departed in free agency to join the Miami Dolphins, Hyde had been considering retirement.
Micah Hyde Rejoins Bills; Projecting Buffalo’s Defensive Starters in Playoffs
Defensive Ends: Greg Rousseau and A.J. Epenesa
Ohio native Micah Hyde, 33, has confirmed that this will be his final season as a player but hinted at a potential future role with the Buffalo Bills’ coaching staff.
“I’m here to help,” Hyde said. “I left my ego in San Diego. As I’ve said, the goal has always been to bring a championship to Buffalo, and that goal hasn’t changed. Until that happens, you all might get tired of seeing me. Even after this season, when I officially retire, you could see me sticking around here in some capacity until we get that championship.”
The Bills (10-2) return to action on Sunday with a road game against the Los Angeles Rams (6-6).
Defensive Tackles: Ed Oliver and DaQuan Jones
Oliver and Jones have fallen short of their usual high standards this season, contributing to the Bills’ struggles with run defense. However, they are unlikely to be replaced by current reserves Austin Johnson, Quinton Jefferson, or Jordan Phillips.
The situation could become more interesting once DeWayne Carter is activated from injured reserve. The rookie was showing promise before a wrist injury sidelined him. If he can regain his pre-injury form, Carter might compete for a more significant role as the postseason approaches.
Oliver and Jones have fallen short of their usual high standards this season, contributing to the Bills’ struggles with run defense. However, they are unlikely to be replaced by current reserves Austin Johnson, Quinton Jefferson, or Jordan Phillips.
The situation could become more interesting once DeWayne Carter is activated from injured reserve. The rookie was showing promise before a wrist injury sidelined him. If he can regain his pre-injury form, Carter might compete for a more significant role as the postseason approaches.
Linebackers: Terrel Bernard and Matt Milano
Linebacker Matt Milano showed some rust in Sunday’s win over the San Francisco 49ers, which was expected given it was his first game since October 2023. Milano missed the rest of last season due to a leg injury and sat out the start of this season after sustaining a bicep injury during training camp.
The Bills plan to gradually increase Milano’s workload, aiming to have him in peak condition for the playoffs. In the meantime, Terrel Bernard will continue to shoulder a significant defensive load. Bernard has been one of the league’s most impactful defenders during Milano’s extended absence.
Cornerbacks: Rasul Douglas, Christian Benford and Taron Johnson
As expected, Buffalo’s cornerback trio has lived up to its elite reputation, anchoring one of the league’s top secondaries. Their standout play has helped the Bills rank tied for fourth in yards allowed per pass attempt (6.1) and second in yards allowed per completion (8.9).
The position also boasts impressive depth. Cam Lewis has excelled as a dime corner and special teams ace, ranking fifth on the team in tackles (55). Meanwhile, Ja’Marcus Ingram and Kaiir Elam have performed admirably on the boundary when needed. Outside of quarterback, cornerback may be the team’s strongest position group.
Safeties: Taylor Rapp and Damar Hamlin
It doesn’t appear the Bills signed Micah Hyde with the intention of starting him, at least not if Taylor Rapp and Damar Hamlin remain healthy. While neither has been spectacular and both have their limitations, they’ve mastered the team’s defensive scheme, which is exactly what head coach Sean McDermott prioritizes in the secondary.
Hyde seems more like an insurance policy in case of injury. Cole Bishop, limited by an injury in camp, has played only 18.5% of defensive snaps as a rookie, while Kareem Jackson has yet to take the field, spending most of the season on the practice squad.
Relying on either reserve in a playoff setting would be a considerable gamble. By signing Hyde now, the Bills give him five weeks to regain game shape, positioning him as a likely No. 3 safety heading into the postseason.
Micah Hyde will likely be activated from the practice squad for the final few regular-season games. He’s expected to see limited snaps in clear passing situations to reacclimate to game speed. From there, his role will depend on whether he’s called upon during the playoffs.
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