Bills’ Hyde, Crowder resume practicing for potential return

When starting safety Micah Hyde and backup receiver Jamison Crowder were given the green light to return to practice on Wednesday, it gave the Buffalo Bills hope that they would have all three players available at some time during the playoffs.

Hyde has been sidelined since Week 2’s 41-7 victory over Tennessee, when he suffered a herniated disc and needed surgery. Crowder has been out of commission since injuring his ankle in a victory against Baltimore two weeks ago.

Both players will stay on the injured reserve list for the time being, but they will be able to return to practice after three weeks; at that point, the Bills may decide whether to activate them to the active roster or call it a season.

Both have been declared out for Sunday’s wild card playoff game between the Bills (13-3) and the Miami Dolphins (9-8), according to head coach Sean McDermott.

Six to eight months of lost time from work was predicted for Hyde. He underwent surgery, but has since joined the squad in Buffalo, where he is both recovering and acting as a de facto assistant coach.

Last month, Hyde said he was hopeful about making a comeback to the field, but that the ultimate choice will be made based on his doctors’ advice and the results of an examination of his neck.

Hyde is a veteran of the NFL for a decade and is currently in his sixth season with the Buffalo Bills, where he has been a key cog in one of the league’s best secondary units.