Josh Allen Overcomes Shoulder Scare in Close Loss to Texans
Josh Allen's Injury Update
During Thursday Night Football, Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen appeared to sustain a shoulder injury while playing against the Houston Texans. Despite the setback, he managed to complete the game, later assuring reporters that he was feeling fine. The Bills narrowly lost 23-19 in Week 12, with Allen facing significant pressure from the Texans' defense.
Incident Details
The injury occurred in the first quarter when Texans edge rusher William Anderson Jr. tackled Allen from behind. Allen fell awkwardly on his left side and initially showed signs of discomfort before returning to the huddle. After the game, he stated, "I’m OK... left shoulder. Landed on it. Went a little numb on me. We’re good."
Performance Despite Pressure
Remarkably, Allen did not miss any offensive snaps following the hit. Reports confirmed he was back in action immediately and was later seen shaking out his right hand. His performance included 24 completions on 34 attempts for 253 yards, along with two interceptions. However, the Bills' offensive line struggled, allowing a career-high eight sacks.
Concerns Over Protection
Allen's resilience has been a defining trait of his career, showcasing his ability to withstand hits while leading the offense. Nonetheless, the high number of sacks and the intensity of the hit raised alarms regarding the team's protection strategies and potential long-term risks. Head coach Sean McDermott expressed his concerns, stating, "When they hit the quarterback 12 times, I don’t like that... It’s just not a good formula to keep our quarterback healthy for the rest of the season."
Injury Impact on the Team
The hit from Anderson left Allen briefly on the ground, where he dropped the football and clutched his arm. He was later seen with his left elbow wrapped, which was for turf burn treatment rather than a serious injury. Allen reassured fans that his arm was not damaged, although it felt numb immediately after the impact.
Buffalo's Injury Challenges
The Bills are already dealing with injuries to cornerback Christian Benford, linebacker Terrel Bernard, and offensive linemen Connor McGovern and Spencer Brown. With Allen facing heavy pressure in recent games, the absence of these key players has exacerbated the situation. Despite the physical toll, Allen completed the game and reassured fans and fantasy football managers that his health is not a concern. The Bills will enter a bye week in Week 12, providing an opportunity for recovery.
Looking Ahead
Following the bye week, the Bills will continue their playoff pursuit against the Pittsburgh Steelers, with Josh Allen expected to lead the offense despite the challenges faced against Houston.
Game Highlights
Running, running, more running...Will Anderson Jr. with the sack! BUFvsHOU on Prime Video. Also streaming on @NFLPlus
— NFL (@NFL) November 21, 2025