Allen Cleared for Broncos Clash as Bills Battle Mounting Injury Crisis
18 January 2026 – Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen has been cleared to play in the AFC Divisional Round against the Denver Broncos, overcoming foot, knee, and finger injuries sustained in the Wild Card win. However, the Bills’ playoff hopes face a severe test as they travel to Denver with a receiving corps decimated by season-ending injuries.
Quarterback’s Grit Overcomes Injury Concerns
Josh Allen, the Bills’ franchise cornerstone, was officially removed from the injury report on Thursday, paving the way for his start against the top-seeded Broncos. The quarterback emerged from a physical 27-24 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars managing a trio of ailments, which limited him in Tuesday’s walk-through. He progressed to full practices on Wednesday and Thursday, demonstrating his readiness for the high-stakes contest.
Head coach Sean McDermott acknowledged Allen’s warrior mentality earlier in the week, stating, “Certainly sore. And as you know, he’s gonna do whatever it takes to play.” Allen’s performance against the Jaguars was typical of his playoff pedigree, completing 28 of 35 passes for 273 yards and a touchdown, while adding 33 rushing yards and two critical scores on the ground.
Decimated Receiving Corps Presents Major Challenge
While Allen is cleared to play, his arsenal of weapons has been drastically reduced. The Bills confirmed that wide receivers Gabe Davis and Tyrell Shavers have been placed on injured reserve with torn ACLs, ending their seasons. They join wideout Joshua Palmer (ankle), who was already on IR.
This leaves Allen with a thin group of pass-catchers for the Broncos matchup. Veterans Khalil Shakir and Brandin Cooks, along with tight ends Dalton Kincaid and Dawson Knox, are expected to be his primary targets. The availability of Curtis Samuel (elbow) provides a potential boost, while Keon Coleman is likely to see an expanded role.
Key Facts: Bills Injury Landscape
| Player | Status for Broncos Game |
|---|---|
| QB Josh Allen (Foot/Knee/Finger) | Cleared to play (No injury designation) |
| WR Gabe Davis (Knee) | Out for season (Torn ACL) |
| WR Tyrell Shavers (Knee) | Out for season (Torn ACL) |
| WR Joshua Palmer (Ankle) | On Injured Reserve |
| WR Curtis Samuel (Elbow) | Questionable / Activated from IR |
| S Jordan Poyer (Hamstring) | Out |
Broncos Await in Hostile Playoff Environment
The Bills faced a short-week turnaround to travel to Denver’s Empower Field at Mile High for the Saturday afternoon kickoff. The Broncos, the AFC’s number one seed, entered the game well-rested and relatively healthy. The stage was set for a classic playoff duel, with Allen’s resilience and playmaking ability tested against one of the league’s top defences, all while operating with a patched-together supporting cast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was Josh Allen injured for the playoff game?
Yes, Josh Allen was managing foot, knee, and finger injuries leading up to the AFC Divisional Round game against the Denver Broncos on 17 January. However, he was a full participant in practice later in the week and was officially cleared to play with no injury designation.
Which Bills receivers are out with injury?
The Bills’ receiving corps was hit hard. Gabe Davis and Tyrell Shavers are out for the season with torn ACLs. Joshua Palmer is also on injured reserve with an ankle injury. This left the team relying heavily on Khalil Shakir, Brandin Cooks, and the tight end duo of Dalton Kincaid and Dawson Knox.
Did the Bills win their Wild Card game?
Yes, the Buffalo Bills defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars 27-24 on the road on 11 January 2026. Josh Allen led a game-winning touchdown drive in the final minutes, scoring himself on a quarterback keeper to secure the victory.