Bills star DT Ed Oliver, WR Curtis Samuel activated to play vs. Broncos

Field Level Media|published: Fri 16th January, 18:47 2026

Oct 13, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Ed Oliver (91) warms up prior to a game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

The Buffalo Bills activated star defensive tackle Ed Oliver and receiver Curtis Samuel from injured reserve on Friday.

The moves come one day before the sixth-seeded Bills visit the top-seeded Denver Broncos in the AFC divisional round.

Oliver and Samuel had their practice windows opened early this week. Both players are listed as questionable on the Buffalo injury report. Samuel (elbow) practiced in full all week while Oliver (bicep) was limited all three days.

Oliver has played in just three games this season, the last coming against the Carolina Panthers on Oct. 26. He underwent biceps surgery but later injured his knee during his rehab and underwent another procedure.

Oliver, 28, has 30 sacks in 95 career games (86 starts) in seven seasons with Buffalo.

Samuel last appeared in a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Nov. 26. He had just seven catches for 81 yards and a touchdown in six games this season, his second with Buffalo.

Samuel, 29, has 355 catches for 3,717 yards and 24 scores in nine NFL seasons with the Carolina Panthers (2017-20), Washington Commanders (2021-23) and Bills.

Buffalo also elevated receiver Mecole Hardman Jr. and running back Frank Gore Jr. from the practice squad on Friday.

The Bills needed receiver help after Tyrell Shavers and Gabe Davis both sustained ACL tears during last weekend's win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. Buffalo running back Ty Johnson (ankle) also is ailing and is listed as questionable.

--Field Level Media

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