Bills' All-Pro DB returns to face Dolphins on TNF, veteran WR healthy scratch again

The Buffalo Bills are healthy for Thursday Night Football against the Miami Dolphins with the exception of two inactive defensive starters

Aug 9, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills cornerback Taron Johnson (7) tackles New York Giants tight end Daniel Bellinger (82) | Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

The Buffalo Bills have re-inserted a key defensive starter back into the lineup following a one-game absence due to a quad injury.

Veteran nickel cornerback Taron Johnson was not amongst the list of inactives tabbed by the Bills prior to Thursday night's home game against the division rival Miami Dolphins. He carried a questionable designation into the evening, but he declared himself ready to play on Thursday.

Johnson will play his 102nd regular season game for the Bills when he takes the field against the Dolphins. His backup is also available. Defensive back Cam Lewis, who banged up his shoulder while filling in for Johnson on September 14, is active after being limited at practice three days in a row.

Headlining the seven gameday inactives, veteran wide receiver Curtis Samuel is a healthy scratch for the third consecutive week. Samuel doesn't offer much special teams value, and he hasn't been able to beat out Elijah Moore or Tyrell Shavers for the chance to dress yet this month.

Jan 26, 2025; Kansas City, MO; Buffalo Bills wide receiver Curtis Samuel (1) does a toe drag tap as he catches a pass for a touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs during the AFC Championship Game | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Backup cornerback Ja'Marcus Ingram, who was not on the injury report, is also scratched along with injured veterans Matt Milano and Ed Oliver.

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Three rookies, all who have yet to make their NFL debuts, round out the list of inactives. Defensive end Landon Jackson, defensive back Jordan Hancock and offensive lineman Chase Lundt will have to wait at least one more week.

Both practice squad elevations — defensive tackle Zion Logue and undrafted rookie linebacker Keonta Jenkins — are active for the second straight game.

The Bills and the Dolphins kick off at 8:15 p.m. ET on September 18 in a Prime Video exclusive.

Sep 14, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Zion Logue (93) reacts after a sack against the New York Jets | Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Bills' Week 3 Inactives (vs. Dolphins)

WR Curtis Samuel

DB Jordan Hancock

CB Ja'Marcus Ingram

DT Ed Oliver

LB Matt Milano

DE Landon Jackson

OL Chase Lundt

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