The week of drama in Buffalo has taken an even more interesting turn. According to Vic Carucci of the Buffalo News, recently benched quarterback Tyrod Taylor has been playing through a severe groin injury over the past month.
For the past month, #Bills QB Tyrod Taylor has fought thru a severe groin injury that could need more attention in offseason. Stay tuned.
— Vic Carucci (@viccarucci) December 29, 2016
This comes at the same time that Taylor missed Thursday’s practice with what is being described as a hamstring injury. On the same note, it comes one day after interim Bills head coach Anthony Lynn denied that Taylor himself was dealing with a hamstring issue (more on that here).
In his second year as the Bills’s starter, Taylor has put up an up-and-down performance. He’s tallied 23 total touchdowns compared to six interceptions but is averaging just over 201 passing yards per game. Recently benched in favor of EJ Manuel, Taylor is coming off a 300-plus yard, three-touchdown performance against the Miami Dolphins.
With what is going on in Buffalo right now, it wouldn’t necessarily be a surprise to learn that Taylor has been playing through a groin injury. Though, all the contradictions we’ve seen come from the team recently suggests something different could be in play here.
Taylor is due a huge bonus in March, something the Bills’ brass might not want to pay him. And in reality, a lot of this will depend on who the team’s new head coach is. A front runner for the job, interim coach Anthony Lynn had no input on the benching of Taylor. That makes this whole situation even more fishy.
As it is, if Taylor does need surgery on the groin, it will likely play a role in Buffalo’s decision to pick up his lofty 2017 option.