The Buffalo Bills signed two-time All-Pro safety Micah Hyde to the practice squad on Wednesday. Head coach Sean McDermott utilized extreme caution when discussing how quickly the longtime fan favorite could rejoin the team’s active roster.
“Just to set expectations, Micah is in a practice squad role,” McDermott told reporters. “We are fully confident in Taylor Rapp, Damar Hamlin, Cole Bishop, Kareem Jackson. They’ve all been doing a real good job for us in the roles that they are currently in. They’re going to stay in those roles and Micah is in a practice squad role, so good to have him back and his family as well.”
Hyde spent the past seven years as a starting safety for the Bills. The 2017 Pro Bowl selection teamed with Jordan Poyer to form one of the NFL’s best tandems as the position. While Poyer left in free agency to sign with the Miami Dolphins, Hyde contemplated retirement.
Was fun hearing all the different stories from #Bills players when they saw Micah Hyde back in the building
Most were pretty surprised#Billsmafia pic.twitter.com/ZmVaKgWLdm
— Thad Brown (@thadbrown7) December 4, 2024
The 33-year-old Ohio native confirmed this will be his final on-field season, but hinted he may join Buffalo’s coaching staff in the future.
“So, listen, I’m here to help,” Hyde said. “I left my ego in San Diego. Like I said, the goal has always been to bring a championship back here and that’s always going to be the goal. Until that happens, you guys probably going to be tired of me, because after this season and I truly retire, maybe you might see me doing something else here until we get a championship.”
The Bills (10-2) are back on the field Sunday when they visit the Los Angeles Rams (6-6).
Micah Hyde Rejoins Bills; Projecting Buffalo’s Defensive Starters in Playoffs
Defensive Ends: Greg Rousseau and A.J. Epenesa
Von Miller’s production has fallen off a cliff since he came back from a four-game suspension for a violation of the league’s personal conduct policy. The future Hall of Famer recorded three sacks in four games before the ban, but just one in four appearances since his return.
Miller’s ineffectiveness makes this prediction a lot easier. Rousseau and Epenesa are far more well-rounded players at this stage of their careers, and they’ve held their own rushing the passer. They’ve combined for 11.5 sacks to pace the Buffalo defense.
Defensive Tackles: Ed Oliver and DaQuan Jones
Oliver and Jones haven’t lived up to their typically high standards this season, which is one of the main reasons the Bills have struggled to stop the run consistently. That said, they won’t be replaced by the current reserve options of Austin Johnson, Quinton Jefferson or Jordan Phillips.
There could be some intrigue after DeWayne Carter is activated from injured reserve, though. Carter was putting together a promising rookie campaign before suffering a wrist injury. If he picks up where he left off, he could push for a more prominent role in the postseason.
Linebackers: Terrel Bernard and Matt Milano
Milano looked rusty during Sunday’s win over the San Francisco 49ers, and rightfully so. It marked the linebacker’s first appearance since October 2023. He sat out the remainder of last season with a leg injury. He then missed the start of the current campaign after suffering a bicep injury in training camp.
The Bills will slowly ramp up Milano’s workload with hope he’s back in top form for the playoffs. Meanwhile, Bernard will continue to carry a heavy burden in the middle of the defense. He’s been one of the league’s most valuable defenders during his running mate’s long absence.
Cornerbacks: Rasul Douglas, Christian Benford and Taron Johnson
No surprises here. The trio looked like one of the best corner groups entering the season and they’ve lived up to that premier billing. Thanks to them, Buffalo ranks tied for fourth in yards allowed per pass attempt (6.1) and second in yards allowed per completion (8.9).
Buffalo also has great depth at the position. Cam Lewis is fifth on the team in total tackles (55) as a dime corner and special-teams ace, while Ja’Marcus Ingram and Kaiir Elam have both played well on the boundary when called upon. Besides quarterback, corner may be the team’s biggest strength.
Safeties: Taylor Rapp and Damar Hamlin
It doesn’t feel like the Bills signed Hyde to start. At least not if both Rapp and Hamlin are healthy. The duo hasn’t been spectacular and they each have their limitations, but they have mastered the team’s defensive scheme and that’s all McDermott wants on the back end.
Instead, Hyde seems like insurance in case either starter gets hurt. Bishop missed camp time with an injury and has played just 18.5 percent of the defensive snaps as a rookie. Jackson has yet to see the field while spending most of the year on Buffalo’s practice squad.
The Bills would be taking a significant risk starting either of those reserves in a playoff setting. In turn, bringing in Hyde now gives him five weeks to get into game shape. He’ll likely enter the postseason as the No. 3 safety.
“People keep saying welcome back, but it’s more like welcome home” – Micah Hyde #BillsMafia @WKBW pic.twitter.com/qxGFAVxOIl
— Matthew Bové (@Matt_Bove) December 4, 2024
Hyde will probably be activated from the practice squad for the final few games of the regular season. He’ll see some snaps in obvious passing situations just to get a feel for the speed of the game. From there, he’ll wait to see if his number is called in the playoffs.
Main Image: Kirby Lee – USA Today Sports
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