The Buffalo Bills’ defense took another significant blow during their 30-27 victory over the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, as veteran defensive tackle Dawuane Smoot was forced to exit the game with a wrist injury.
Head coach Sean McDermott confirmed on Monday that Smoot would require surgery and would be placed on injured reserve.
Although McDermott expressed some hope that Smoot might return later in the season, the injury adds to a growing list of key defensive players who have been sidelined for extended periods, further straining the team’s depth.
Smoot had been a reliable presence on the defensive line, having started four games so far this season. He recorded 1.5 sacks, 12 total tackles, three tackles for a loss, and three quarterback hits, playing in nearly half of the team’s defensive snaps.
His contributions had been crucial to the Bills’ defensive efforts, making his absence a significant loss as the team faces ongoing challenges on that side of the ball.
McDermott noted that the full extent of Smoot’s injury wouldn’t be known until after surgery, acknowledging the uncertainty that comes with these types of procedures. “Sometimes with IR and surgeries, you’re never sure until the doctors get in there and see what exactly the extent of the injury is or was,” he explained, leaving room for some hope that the defensive tackle might recover sooner than expected.
This injury to Smoot is just the latest setback for a Buffalo defense already missing several key players. Star linebacker Matt Milano was lost for the season after suffering a torn pectoral muscle during training camp, while linebacker Terrel Bernard and nickel cornerback Taron Johnson have also been sidelined by injuries.
Additionally, rookie defensive tackle Dewayne Carter, who had started two games and made notable contributions, was placed on injured reserve after undergoing wrist surgery. McDermott had previously announced that Carter would be out for an extended period, further depleting the defensive line.
