### Bills Welcome Back Key Players Ed Oliver and Curtis Samuel Ahead of Playoff Showdown The Buffalo Bills are gearing up for their AFC Divisional Round playoff game against the Denver Broncos, and they have received significant boosts to their roster. Defensive tackle Ed Oliver and wide receiver Curtis Samuel have been activated from injured reserve (IR), providing much-needed reinforcements for the team. This comes after a challenging week filled with injury concerns, making their return a pivotal moment for the Bills as they aim to advance in the playoffs. Both players are expected to play, although they remain listed as questionable as of the latest updates. ### Breakdown of the Situation 1. **Player Activations**: - Ed Oliver and Curtis Samuel have been activated from IR, allowing them to participate in the upcoming game against the Broncos [https://www.wgrz.com/article/sports/nfl/bills/buffalo-bills-activate-ed-oliver-curtis-samuel-from-ir-nfl-playoffs/71-1a8a5fc2-9bb4-4286-8b08-0d56ec33a1bd]. - This activation is crucial as both players are key contributors to their respective units. 2. **Impact on Team Performance**: - Ed Oliver's return is particularly significant for the Bills' run defense, which has struggled in his absence [https://www.sportingnews.com/ca/nfl/buffalo-bills/news/bills-ed-oliver-injury-update-rescue-buffalo-run-defense-vs-broncos/10c8d04bbaee4c392f62750a]. - Curtis Samuel adds depth to the wide receiver position, which has been affected by injuries throughout the season [https://www.sportingnews.com/ca/nfl/buffalo-bills/news/bills-curtis-samuel-injury-news-saved-buffalo-wr-depth-chart/830e60f8205e0d910a239e09]. 3. **Recent Injury Reports**: - The Bills have faced a tough injury report leading up to the playoffs, but the activation of these two players provides a much-needed morale boost [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/bills-broncos-injury-ed-oliver-003912870.html]. - Both players had their practice windows opened earlier in the week, indicating their readiness to return [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/bills-dt-ed-oliver-wr-222221849.html]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Player Statistics**: - Ed Oliver has been a standout defensive player for the Bills, contributing significantly to their defensive line prior to his injury [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6977785/2026/01/16/ed-oliver-buffalo-bills-activated-ir]. - Curtis Samuel's versatility as a receiver will enhance the Bills' offensive strategies, especially in critical playoff situations [https://www.fingerlakes1.com/2026/01/16/bills-activate-dt-ed-oliver-wr-curtis-samuel-from-injured-reserve]. - **Team Performance Metrics**: - The Bills' defense has been ranked among the top in the league, but their performance has dipped without Oliver [https://www.syracuse.com/buffalo-bills/2026/01/bills-fans-can-finally-celebrate-as-ed-oliver-makes-his-long-awaited-return-for-the-playoffs.html]. - Samuel's presence is expected to improve the passing game, which has been inconsistent due to injuries to other key receivers [https://www.clutchpoints.com/nfl/buffalo-bills/bills-news-curtis-samuel-ed-oliver-actived-from-ir-broncos-showdown]. ### Conclusion: A Boost for the Bills In summary, the activation of Ed Oliver and Curtis Samuel from injured reserve is a significant development for the Buffalo Bills as they prepare for their playoff matchup against the Denver Broncos. 1. **Key Players Activated**: Both Oliver and Samuel are back, enhancing the team's chances of success [https://www.wnep.com/article/syndication/associatedpress/bills-active-dt-oliver-and-wr-samuel-from-ir-promote-wr-hardman-and-rb-gore-from-practice-squad/616-bad99a53-95b0-4d68-aea6-a4c6d89de298]. 2. **Impact on Game Strategy**: Oliver's return strengthens the defensive line, while Samuel adds depth to the receiving corps [https://www.buffalowdown.com/bills-fans-get-the-huge-ed-oliver-news-that-they-have-been-waiting-for-01kf4a1qnvzr]. 3. **Playoff Implications**: Their presence could be pivotal in the Bills' quest for playoff advancement, especially against a formidable opponent like the Broncos [https://www.clutchpoints.com/nfl/buffalo-bills/bills-news-ed-oliver-damar-hamlin-could-return-divisional-round-broncos]. The Bills are poised to make a strong showing in the playoffs with these reinforcements, and fans are hopeful for a successful outcome.