Bills Central

Josh Allen injury update as Bills' QB leaves for locker room early vs. Browns

The Bills' quarterback appeared to sustain an ankle injury late in the first half.
Dec 21, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA;  Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) is sacked by Cleveland Browns defensive tackle Mason Graham (94) during the first half at Huntington Bank Field.
Dec 21, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) is sacked by Cleveland Browns defensive tackle Mason Graham (94) during the first half at Huntington Bank Field. | Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

A sigh of relief.

Josh Allen went down with an apparent foot injury late in the first half of the Buffalo Bills’ Week 16 matchup with the Cleveland Browns, and initially, things did not look good.

But after halftime, the team released a positive update, relieving any worry of a significant injury.

RELATED: Josh Allen injured, heads to locker room early during Bills Week 16 game vs. Browns

Josh Allen
Dec 21, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) looks downfield against the Cleveland Browns during the first half at Huntington Bank Field. | Scott Galvin-Imagn Images

Encouraging update

After leaving the field before Sunday’s game reached the half, it was revealed by the Bills that Allen underwent X-rays on his foot and was cleared to return to action. He was on the field with the Bills to begin the third quarter.

What happened?

Allen was tripped up awkwardly by Cleveland Browns’ defensive tackle Mason Graham on a 22-yard sack near the Bills’ goal line, bringing up a third down from the one-yard line. After the play was blown dead, Allen got to his feet slowly and began to move gingerly, favoring his right foot while flexing the ankle area.

He sported a noticeable limp before remaining on the field for Buffalo’s next offensive play, a quarterback sneak that he took up the middle for a gain of one yard, leading to a Bills’ punt.

Upon exiting the field of play after the third-down QB sneak, the Bills’ quarterback was quickly surrounded by athletic trainers, who examined him briefly before Allen removed his right shoe and headed to the locker room before the half was through. But upon further examination, it appears all is well with the reigning MVP.

MORE: James Cook rallies Bills again while topping Thurman Thomas rushing record

James Cook
Dec 21, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Buffalo Bills running back James Cook III (4) carries the ball against the Cleveland Browns during the first half at Huntington Bank Field. | Scott Galvin-Imagn Images

Big lead

The Bills are currently leading the Browns 23-10 with 5 minutes remaining in the third quarter. Buffalo is hoping to improve to 11-4 on the season while keeping their hopes of winning their sixth straight AFC East title alive.

Allen finished the first half 6 of 7 passing for 86 yards to go with four carries for 17 yards. James Cook led the way for the Bills throughout the first two quarters, recording 100 yards rushing and two touchdowns rushing to help give Buffalo a 10-point advantage at the break.

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Alex Brasky
ALEX BRASKY

Alex Brasky is editor of Bills Digest and host of the Buffalo Pregame podcast. He has been on the Bills beat the past six seasons and now joins Sports Illustrated hoping to expand his coverage of Buffalo’s favorite football team.

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