Bills Practice Squad Player Canceled Family Vacation to Play Key Role in Win Over Steelers

A.J. Klein, who led the Bills with 11 tackles on Monday, was signed to Buffalo’s practice squad on Thursday.

The Buffalo Bills cruised into the divisional round of the NFL playoffs, taking down the Pittsburgh Steelers in front of their home fans on Monday.

The Bills’ defense has been riddled with injuries but was able to overcome a lack of depth, thanks to some big performances from some less commonly featured players.

Among those, and most significantly, was veteran linebacker A.J. Klein, who led the team with 11 tackles in the win. The 32-year-old came up with some of the game’s biggest tackles, despite not having played a single defensive snap during the regular season. 

"Everything is canceled now. Plans are canceled."

Playoff football >>> Family vacations#BillsMafia @BuffaloPlus https://t.co/Tl8v0pGpXe pic.twitter.com/KkzX88QfjO

— Dan Fetes (@danfetes) January 16, 2024

Klein was re-signed to the practice squad on Thursday of this past week, and he told reporters after the game that he had actually lined up a family vacation for this weekend prior to receiving a call from Buffalo general manager Brandon Beane, per Dan Fetes of Buffalo’s 13WHAM. 

Klein told reporters that he and his family had plans to go to Key West, but instead found himself joining up with the Bills ahead of their playoff clash against the Steelers. His efforts were greatly appreciated by coach Sean McDermott, who praised the veteran linebacker after the game.

“We stopped him just short of Wally World… that’s pretty special. Pretty remarkable.”

-Sean McDermott on AJ Klein#BillsMafia @BuffaloPlus https://t.co/Tl8v0pGpXe

— Dan Fetes (@danfetes) January 16, 2024

The linebacker recorded 11 tackles across six games with Buffalo last season. He matched that tally with his stellar performance during the wild-card game on Monday.

Klein played a pivotal role in the Bills’ win during his unexpected return to action and he’ll hope to continue his high level of play when the team hosts the Kansas City Chiefs in the divisional round next week.