A trio of starting players for the Buffalo Bills returned to practice on Tuesday just in time to potentially face the New England Patriots in Week 13.
The Bills (7-4) see the full returns of two players from their Reserve/ COVID-19 list.
That pair is defensive tackle Star Lotulelei and rookie offensive tackle Spencer Brown, who were activated from the designation.
Because of the nature of the list, both Lotulelei and Brown are cleared to start on Monday against the Patriots (8-4). Lotulelei has been on the COVID list since Nov. 14 while Brown’s spell there began on Nov. 18.
While that’s good news, the Bills (7-4) are not fully in the clear with offensive lineman Jon Feliciano.
Buffalo designated Feliciano to return from injured reserve on Tuesday as well. He landed on IR on Nov. 6 thanks to a calf injury.
Changing Feliciano’s status simply means he can now practice with the team. It does not mean he will play vs. the Pats.
Buffalo has 21 days to activate him full to their 53-man roster or else Feliciano returns to IR. So the Bills could just be getting him in playing shape to return in two games… time will tell.
If that window closes and Feliciano goes back and is not activated from IR, he goes back to the injured reserve list for good and his season is over.
The Bills will certainly hope that Feliciano will be available and good to go against New England.
For what it’s worth, prior to facing the New Orleans Saints in Week 12, Buffalo designated wide receiver Marquez Stevenson for return as well. He immediately got into the lineup.
Returning Lotulelei, Brown and Feliciano would be positive additions to Buffalo’s play in the trenches on both sides of the ball.
Buffalo also placed rookie offensive lineman Tommy Doyle on the COVID-19 list after activating Brown and Lotulelei from it on Tuesday. Cornerback Tre’Davious White was also placed on injured reserve with his season-ending ACL injury.