The Buffalo Bills added Micah Hyde, a two-time All-Pro safety, to their practice squad on Wednesday. While there’s speculation about whether Hyde will rejoin the defense’s starting lineup for the playoffs, head coach Sean McDermott emphasized caution in his comments. McDermott made it clear that Hyde is currently in a practice squad role, noting that the team has confidence in their existing safeties, including Taylor Rapp, Damar Hamlin, Cole Bishop, and Kareem Jackson, who have all performed well in their current positions.
Hyde, who has spent the last seven years as a starting safety for the Bills, formed a strong duo with Jordan Poyer before Poyer left in free agency. Hyde, 33, has stated that this season will be his last on the field but hinted at potentially joining the Bills’ coaching staff afterward. He remains committed to helping the team win a championship, regardless of his role.
The Bills (10-2) will face the Los Angeles Rams (6-6) on Sunday. As for Hyde’s potential return to the active roster, he’s likely to serve as a safety net in case of injury, rather than immediately stepping into a starting role. His return offers depth at the position, providing reassurance if either Rapp or Hamlin is sidelined. Hyde will likely be activated for the final regular-season games to get back into game shape, before potentially contributing in the postseason.
Micah Hyde
Defensively, the projected starters for the playoffs include Greg Rousseau and A.J. Epenesa at defensive end, Ed Oliver and DaQuan Jones at defensive tackle, and Terrel Bernard and Matt Milano at linebacker. The cornerback trio of Rasul Douglas, Christian Benford, and Taron Johnson will also be crucial. Buffalo’s depth in the secondary, along with Hyde’s return as a backup, offers extra security heading into the postseason.
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