The Bills are set to host the Denver Broncos on Sunday afternoon at Orchard Park, but they could be short one key offensive playmaker with Amari Cooper still missing from the side.
A midseason trade acquisition, Cooper is yet to return to the team after being excused from last week’s game against the Patriots due to personal reasons.
According to reporters, Bills coach Sean McDermott remains hopeful the 10-year veteran can lineup in his sixth career playoff game, but the Bills are still taking it day by day.
McDermott said Amari Cooper has not yet returned to the team after being excused over the weekend for a personal matter. He’s hopeful he’ll be available for Sunday’s game, but right now is just taking the situation a day at a time. #Bills
— Chris Brown (@ChrisBrownBills) January 6, 2025
Cooper has caught for just shy of 300 yards and two touchdowns since being traded from Cleveland in mid-October, and so far, has provided Josh Allen with a reliable red zone option – as seen two weeks ago when the pair hooked up for a memorable 30-yard touchdown in the win over the Jets.
The Bills’ offense finished the regular season ranked second in points scored and Top 10 in passing yards, largely due to Allen’s MVP-worthy play and Buffalo’s overall depth at the receiver position.
Cooper was held to just two catches against the Broncos as a member of the Browns last year, and will no doubt have his work cut out again on Sunday against a Denver defense that has allowed the fewest touchdowns to wide receivers all season (11).
In other injury news, the Bills’ defense is set to receive a boost with Damar Hamin due to return at safety after missing last week’s game with a rib injury.