Bills injuries: QB Josh Allen (hand) cleared, DB Taron Johnson (forearm) ruled out

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (WIVB) — Quarterback Josh Allen has been cleared to practice and will play in Thursday night’s game against Miami, coach Sean McDermott said Monday after Buffalo’s star quarterback was evaluated for an injury to his left hand following Sunday’s season-opening win.

Bills defensive back Taron Johnson has been ruled out for the Week 2 game against the Dolphins with a forearm injury he sustained early in the 34-28 victory against the Cardinals. The Bills will do “further research” in order to determine the long-term prognosis for Johnson’s injury, McDermott said.

Allen hurt his non-throwing hand when he landed after leaping over All-Pro safety Budda Baker on a touchdown run in the fourth quarter. Allen landed on the turf while cradling the football and getting hit by Arizona lineman Justin Jones.

“Probably can’t make a living doing that,” Allen said after the game about his aggressive scoring run that inspired Bills fans and teammates. “But here we are.”

Allen was able to finish the game after having his hand and wrist wrapped by trainers on the sideline. He said the hand was “fine” in his postgame comments, before going into the X-ray room at Highmark Stadium.

“I’m not quite sure,” Allen said. “I’m not a doctor. But just kind of landed on it, I guess.”

Johnson, a second-team All-Pro at his slot defender position last season, was the most tenured member of a Bills secondary that has undergone transition after the departures of Tre’Davious White, Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde.

Cam Lewis, a fifth-year player from University at Buffalo, made 10 tackles in relieving Johnson, helping the Bills defense stiffen up after allowing the Cardinals to score on their first three drives of the game.

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Jonah Bronstein joined the WIVB squad in 2022 as a digital sports reporter. The Buffalonian has covered the Bills, Sabres, Bandits, Bisons, colleges, high schools and other notable sporting events in Western New York since 2005, for publications including The Associated Press, The Buffalo News, and Niagara Gazette. Read more of his work here .