Allen is fully healthy as the team prepares to face the Patriots today, but he missed most of the 2024 season.
Allen broke his non-throwing hand in the fourth quarter of a Week 1 win over the Cardinals, going completely airborne for a touchdown run and being shoved by two players and landing on his hand. He quickly stood up to celebrate, but looked at his left hand and shook it.
Allen said after the game that he felt “okay” and didn’t miss any time. On the team’s subsequent injury report, Allen was listed as a full participant in each practice ahead of a quick return for Thursday night’s game against the Dolphins.
Although it was known that Allen had injured his hand (he remained on the injury report until after Buffalo’s Week 12 bye), the severity and nature of the injury was previously unknown. All that can be done now is add some context to the ridiculousness of what Allen has done this season.
Allen grew in what was supposed to be a rebuilding year, with several big-name, high-priced veterans being released, including Diggs. Allen’s 25 TD passes and five interceptions give the offense a passer rating of 103.5, which is better than it was at any point last year.
A fracture in his hand limited his play, and Allen completed just 15.4 percent of his snaps from under center, the third-lowest rate of his career. But that doesn’t limit his success on the ground, with Allen averaging 34.6 yards rushing per game in his wheelhouse last season.