Amidst the seven-game win streak and clinching the division, the Bills welcomed back one of the founding members of the Sean McDermott era. Longtime starting safety Micah Hyde is back in Buffalo for the stretch run, signing with the team’s practice squad this week.
Hyde, who spent seven years as the Bills’ starting free safety, is back for one last chase at a Super Bowl title.
“I think ultimately, my family, they’ve always wanted to be back in Buffalo. They love it here,” Hyde said. “It’s home for us… My wife is, you know, overly supportive. She looked at me after I got off the phone with [Bills GM Brandon] Beane and it was like, ‘Look, like this is on you. This is your career. This is your dream. You know, obviously, you’re taking on a different role.’ But ultimately, the dream…the goal has always been to bring a championship back to Buffalo.”
Hyde confirmed that 2024 would be his last season and that he intends to sign his retirement papers. He laughingly added that he might come back in a different way until the Bills win a Super Bowl, just to help the franchise do something it’s never done before.
“I am forever grateful for this organization. And so this is just icing on the cake,” Hyde said. “For me to come in practice squad and help, you know, anyway I could, I felt honored. I felt honored that they even reached out. My wife, you know, everybody here loves us and we love them. And it just it just made sense.”
As the Bills and Hyde get re-acclimated, how could his situation play out this season? Here are thoughts on that and much more in this week’s notebook ahead of the Bills road matchup with the Rams.
Micah Hyde’s role, short-term and long-term
Hyde did and said all the right things in his first week back. The longtime Bills safety said he left his ego in San Diego, willing to do anything the team asked of him in whatever role they wanted him to play. On Thursday at practice, Hyde was on scout team for the defense and special teams. For his short-term role, that practice participation plus his lengthy playing experience can be a helping hand to the entire safety room during the game. And that’s about all that would be fair to expect as Hyde gets back in the practice groove. But it’s what it could build toward that could ultimately help the Bills on the field.
It was quite interesting that after Wednesday’s walkthrough — Hyde’s first on-field day with the team — Bills head coach Sean McDermott had lengthy chats with three players in a row. That group included Damar Hamlin, Cole Bishop and Cam Lewis. It likely isn’t a coincidence that McDermott took the time to check in with those three players, considering Hyde’s reputation in the building and through the NFL. But the coach was extremely intentional in saying that the entire safety room would remain in their roles.
With Hyde being on the practice squad, the Bills are allowed to elevate him three times during the regular season, and then during the playoffs, the Bills could elevate him for every game that the team is still alive. So, conceivably, the Bills could give Hyde a two-week run-up and then, if they’re feeling good about inserting him into the game plan, make him active for the last three games against the Patriots, Jets and Patriots. If that becomes the plan, what role could Hyde build toward?
With how McDermott came across upon announcing Hyde’s return, to think they have eyes on switching up the starting lineup at this point isn’t realistic. One idea Hyde could build up toward is to chip in on obvious passing downs to take advantage of his playmaking instincts from the backend. If the Bills were to keep Matt Milano in an early-down role, when the team gets into their dime look, that could present an opportunity to get Hyde on the field. It’s been Lewis subbing in for the linebacker as a one-for-one, but Taylor Rapp is also familiar with the backer role on third downs from last season. Perhaps the Bills could sub in Hyde for Milano, shift Rapp down to the backer role and have Hyde and Hamlin patrol the backend. The other idea is for Hyde to substitute for Hamlin in a one-for-one on third-and-long situations, which would keep Hamlin in his starting role. There are creative ways to make it happen, but it’s exceptionally early. The first step is to see where Hyde is physically and go from there.
Keon Coleman closing in?
For a second straight week, rookie wide receiver Keon Coleman participated in practice. Last week, the Bills listed Coleman as questionable, and he ultimately didn’t play, but it showed he was quite close to returning. Now, with another week of practice, albeit with Coleman in a non-contact jersey on Thursday, it would not be a surprise if Coleman plays in his first game since he injured his wrist in Week 9 against the Dolphins. As for the role, they’d likely work him in and take some snaps from Mack Hollins, but likely not to the degree as if Coleman was fully healthy.
At tight end, Dalton Kincaid returned to practice this week for the first time since injuring his knee against the Colts. The return to practice is promising for future games, but with how the Bills have operated all season with players just returning from a layoff, the likeliest scenario is that the Bills keep Kincaid on the sidelines for at least one more game as he gets re-acclimated to practicing this week. But the good news for them is that it remains a clear possibility that Kincaid returns in time for the Bills showdown against the Lions in Week 15.
DeWayne Carter is nearing a return, but whose spot does he take?
After the Bills opened up the practice window for rookie defensive tackle DeWayne Carter on Nov. 27, Carter seemed relatively close to playing last weekend against the 49ers. The Bills initially labeled Carter as questionable following a week of full participation at practice before downgrading him to out a day before the game. Regardless of him not playing last week, it was an encouraging first step out of his now five-game absence on injured reserve. Once again this week, Carter was a full participant at practice, which is a good sign of his playing prospects once again this weekend. But the Bills are in a bit of a roster crunch. If Carter is returning this week, who would they move off the roster? Here are the prime candidates:
WR Jalen Virgil — Especially with Coleman on the verge of a return, that would put the Bills at six wide receivers on the roster, and they primarily only carry five. Virgil played every snap of core four special teams against the 49ers, which shows that they value him in that phase, but with other special teams capable players throughout the team, it’s a bit of a luxury when under a roster crunch.
DT Jordan Phillips — Phillips played only 10 snaps against the 49ers and has struggled as a run defender since returning to the team. He also plays the exact same role that Carter would play, so it’s a pretty clear one-for-one. However, the locker room loves Phillips, and the locker room dynamic is greatly considered in their decisions this time of year, so that complicates what would usually be a pretty clear substitute situation. It wouldn’t be a surprise if Phillips ultimately winds up on the practice squad at some point, but it might not be this week.
DT Quinton Jefferson — Upon his return to Buffalo, Jefferson has done a lot of what Dawuane Smoot did on third downs as an interior pass-rushing piece. But this past game, he added quite a few early down defensive tackle snaps and had some nice reps to go with them. His performance and slightly growing role make him seem somewhat safe this time around.
LB Nicholas Morrow — Along with Virgil, Morrow is the player I’d keep an eye on most. His special teams snaps dwindled last week despite being active, he’s been passed on the depth chart by Joe Andreessen, and Baylon Spector (IR) could be making a return at some point this season. The Bills also have practice squad linebacker Lewis Cine, who they could use for a special teams role here and there until Spector returns.
When surveying the options, Morrow makes the most sense for this specific move. Especially the week of re-adding Hyde, removing Phillips doesn’t seem like the right timing. Virgil is a candidate, though there’s a definite risk of him being claimed on waivers. That risk is a lot smaller with Morrow, who they could conceivably bring back to the practice squad if they wanted to.
Rams physical OL will take notes from the 49ers run game
Getting Carter back into the lineup this weekend would be a huge addition because the defensive tackle group had their share of struggles throughout the 49ers matchup. The 49ers offensive line was moving the Bills defenders off their spots, which opened up some gaping holes for Christian McCaffrey and Jordan Mason to run through. The weather will not be an issue in a covered stadium this time, though the Rams employ an extremely physical offensive line that looks to win with power, which could give the Bills some problems.
Starting three-technique defensive tackle Ed Oliver had one of his worst games in years against the 49ers, and most of it had to do with his run-defending. He’ll have some opportunities for a get-right spot as a pass rusher against rookie center Beaux Limmer, but there’s a lot for him to prove against the run this week. The Rams mighty try to attack that part of the Bills defense early to help set up their excellent play-action attack with the excellent trio of quarterback Matthew Stafford and receivers Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp.
An extremely fun 1-on-1 matchup
When the Bills offense is on the field, one matchup worthy of paying close attention to all game is Rams rookie edge rusher Jared Verse against Bills left tackle Dion Dawkins. Verse has spent time rushing from both sides, but, according to Pro Football Focus, he has spent 66 percent of his edge snaps rushing from the right side. Verse has an excellent blend of speed and power, which has helped him be the leader in the clubhouse for Defensive Rookie of the Year honors. But from the Bills’ perspective, Dawkins has been outstanding all season. On film, the left tackle has been a technician on pass-blocking reps, consistently using the defenders’ momentum against them regardless of opponent or situation. He’s been in control of his pass-blocking reps all season, allowing an outstanding pressure rate of only 4 percent. It will be the ultimate test of a great rookie against a savvy veteran, likely with wins for both sides scattered throughout the contest. It’s a popcorn-worthy matchup.
Projected roster moves: Activate DT DeWayne Carter from IR, waive LB Nicholas Morrow
Projected practice squad elevations: TE Zach Davidson, LB Lewis Cine
Projected inactives vs. Rams: WR Jalen Virgil, TE Dalton Kincaid, OL Will Clapp, DT Jordan Phillips, LB Edefuan Ulofoshio, CB Kaiir Elam
Prediction: Bills 33, Rams 22
The Bills enter the game even healthier than the week before after getting through the 49ers game without any new injuries. They’ll be up against a Rams team that will be desperately trying to stay in the mix of the race for the NFC West crown. Even more than that, the Rams have the potential to put up points in a hurry given their collection of skill players and a now healthy offensive line. This could be the most difficult wide receiver matchup the Bills have had the entire season with how the Rams use Nacua and Kupp, and along with Kyren Williams and Blake Corum, the Bills defense has its hands full.
But on offense, there is little standing in the way of the Bills continuing with their excellent form. The Rams run defense has proven to be extremely beatable, and while their secondary has improved this season, it remains one that Josh Allen and the passing offense can move the ball on. Given the matchup, the Rams might need to play keep-up with the Bills’ offense.
Why 22 points? It’s extremely specific, but I could see a scenario where the Bills are up 30-14 in the fourth quarter and playing a bit more preventative defensively, with the Rams putting a touchdown plus a two-point conversion on the board. Ultimately, I think the Rams could have a strong opening on offense, but eventually, the Bills string several scoring drives together to take a substantial lead on the way to their eighth straight victory.
(Top photo of Keon Coleman: Mark Konezny / Imagn Images)
