Bills' Micah Hyde Misses Practice With Injury; Status vs. Jets In Doubt?

The Buffalo Bills open their season on Monday Night Football against the New York Jets.

The Buffalo Bills may be down another pivotal piece on defense. 

Bills coach Sean McDermott announced that safety Micah Hyde missed practice on Wednesday with a back injury that recently came up. As of now, his status for Monday night against the New York Jets is unknown. 

"We're just taking it one day at a time right now," McDermott said.

The injury is especially worrisome since the Bills already have top pass rusher, Von Miller, on the PUP list. He'll out for at least the first four games of the season. 

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Since signing with the Bills in 2017, Hyde has been one of the best safeties in football. He's had 14 interceptions across his first six seasons in Buffalo, including two where he had five picks. 

Hyde also missed nearly all last season with a neck injury, as he only played in the first two games before being placed on the season-ending IR list. In a stacked AFC East, Hyde's health will be pivotal if the Bills want to remain atop the division for a fourth straight season. 

The Bills will face their first stiff in-division test with the Jets on Monday night at MetLife Stadium at 8:15 p.m. After splitting the season series last season, one figures the matchup will only be tougher for Buffalo after New York added quarterback Aaron Rodgers this offseason.

"They've got a talented roster," McDermott said. "Good coaching staff and I think their general manager has done a nice job of putting the roster together. Then adding Aaron this year, and their defensive line is outstanding. That will be a big challenge for us."