Josh Allen Deals with Soreness Ahead of Steelers for the Buffalo Bills

In the high-stakes stretch of the NFL season, even minor injuries can shift the trajectory of a team’s playoff hopes—and for the Buffalo Bills, the news of Josh Allen dealing with soreness ahead of their matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers has added a layer of uncertainty to a critical game. Josh Allen Deals with Soreness Ahead of Steelers for the Buffalo Bills explores the nature of Allen’s discomfort, how the Bills’ medical staff is managing his recovery, and what his availability means for a team fighting to secure a top seed in the AFC. For the Bills, Allen isn’t just a quarterback—he’s the heartbeat of their offense, and his health could be the difference between a statement win over the Steelers and a costly loss that complicates their playoff path. As the team prepares for Sunday’s game, all eyes are on Allen’s ability to shake off the soreness and perform at the elite level Bills fans have come to expect.

Josh Allen Deals with Soreness Ahead of Steelers for the Buffalo Bills begins with the details of Allen’s injury, which emerged following the Bills’ Week 16 win over the Miami Dolphins. According to Bills head coach Sean McDermott, Allen is dealing with general soreness in his shoulder and ribs—lingering effects from a hard hit he took in the third quarter against the Dolphins, when he was sacked by defensive end Jaelan Phillips. Allen stayed in the game and finished with 315 passing yards and two touchdowns, but he admitted after the game that he “felt a little stiff” during postgame workouts. The soreness intensified over the weekend, leading the Bills to limit Allen’s participation in Monday’s practice to walkthroughs only. “Josh is a tough competitor—he never wants to come out of a game, even when he’s banged up,” McDermott said during a Tuesday press conference. “We’re being cautious with him this week because we know how important he is to this team. The goal is to have him as close to 100% as possible for the Steelers, but we won’t rush him if it means putting him at risk for a more serious injury.” Allen has not been placed on the injury report yet, but the Bills are expected to list him as “questionable” when reports are released on Wednesday.

A key aspect of Josh Allen Deals with Soreness Ahead of Steelers for the Buffalo Bills is the Bills’ strategic approach to managing Allen’s recovery. The team’s medical staff has implemented a tailored plan that includes daily physical therapy sessions, soft-tissue work to reduce inflammation in his shoulder and ribs, and modified practice reps to avoid overexertion. Allen has also been using cryotherapy and contrast baths to speed up recovery, and he’s working with the Bills’ strength and conditioning coaches to maintain his mobility without straining his sore areas. Importantly, the Bills are balancing rest with mental preparation: Allen has been fully involved in all offensive meetings, studying film of the Steelers’ defense and helping design game plans, even when he’s not participating in on-field drills. “Physical rest is important, but mental preparation is just as crucial for Josh,” said Bills offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey. “He’s one of the most film-savvy quarterbacks in the league, and he’s using this time to break down the Steelers’ coverages and identify mismatches we can exploit. Even if he’s not throwing as much in practice, he’s still leading this offense.” This hybrid approach—prioritizing recovery while keeping Allen engaged in game planning—reflects the Bills’ desire to protect their star quarterback without sacrificing offensive continuity.

Josh Allen Deals with Soreness Ahead of Steelers for the Buffalo Bills also examines the potential impact on the Bills’ offense if Allen is limited. Allen’s ability to extend plays with his legs and make off-script throws is a defining feature of the Bills’ attack—he’s rushed for 450 yards and six touchdowns this season, and his scrambling often creates opportunities for receivers to get open downfield. If soreness limits his mobility, the Bills may shift to a more pocket-focused passing attack, relying on Allen’s arm strength to hit deep targets like Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis, and leaning more heavily on the running game led by James Cook (who has 980 rushing yards this season). The Bills may also increase their use of quick passes—slants, screens, and short curls—to minimize the time Allen spends in the pocket, reducing the risk of him taking additional hits. “We have a plan A, B, and C for every scenario,” Dorsey said. “If Josh is limited, we’ll adjust our game plan to play to his strengths—his arm is still one of the best in the league, even if he can’t move as much. We’ll also lean on our running game and our play-action passes to keep the Steelers’ defense off balance.” For the Buffalo Bills, this flexibility is critical—they can’t afford to let Allen’s soreness derail their offense, especially against a Steelers defense that ranks 10th in the NFL in points allowed (19.8 per game).

Another layer of Josh Allen Deals with Soreness Ahead of Steelers for the Buffalo Bills is the Bills’ backup plan: quarterback Case Keenum. Keenum, a 12-year NFL veteran, has been with the Bills since 2022 and has proven himself to be a reliable fill-in when Allen is unavailable. He started one game last season (a 24-18 win over the Detroit Lions) and has appeared in three games this season, completing 72% of his passes for 289 yards and two touchdowns. The Bills have increased Keenum’s reps in practice this week, giving him additional time with the first-team offense to ensure he’s ready if Allen can’t play. “Case is a professional—he’s always prepared, even when he’s not the starter,” McDermott said. “We have full confidence in him if he’s called upon. He knows our system, he has good chemistry with the receivers, and he’s shown he can lead this team to victory.” While the Bills hope they won’t need Keenum, having a veteran backup provides peace of mind—and a safety net—if Allen’s soreness worsens. For the Buffalo Bills, this depth at quarterback is a luxury that many teams don’t have, and it could prove invaluable if Sunday’s game becomes a “next man up” situation.

Looking ahead, Josh Allen Deals with Soreness Ahead of Steelers for the Buffalo Bills is a test of the Bills’ resilience—and their ability to win even when their star player is less than 100%. The Steelers game is critical for the Bills: a win would move them one step closer to securing the AFC East title and a top-two seed in the playoffs, while a loss could open the door for the Dolphins or Chiefs to overtake them. Allen has a history of rising to the occasion in big games—he’s thrown for 3,000+ yards and 25+ touchdowns in each of the last five seasons, and he’s led the Bills to four consecutive playoff appearances—but soreness could limit his usual dominance. Still, both Allen and the Bills are staying positive. “I’ve dealt with soreness before—every quarterback has,” Allen said in a Wednesday interview. “The key is to trust the medical staff, prepare as much as possible, and then go out there and compete. The Steelers are a tough team, but we’re ready for the challenge, no matter what.” For the Buffalo Bills, this mindset—focused, resilient, and team-first—is what has made them a contender in recent years. Josh Allen Deals with Soreness Ahead of Steelers for the Buffalo Bills isn’t just about one player’s injury; it’s about a team that knows how to adapt, overcome adversity, and fight for every win—especially when the stakes are highest.