Josh Allen injury scare: Bills QB stays down in pain after awkward tackle vs. Texans on TNF

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen is one tough customer but even he is not immune to feeling the effects from a big hit. And in the first quarter of Thursday’s Week 12 road contest against the Houston Texans, he took a hit that left him slow to get up.

Allen, taking off on third down in the first quarter, got hit from behind by Texans edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. The reigning league MVP was in obvious pain, holding his left arm.

#Bills QB Josh Allen just went down with an injury, Got up and walked off of the field. Injury and status TBD: pic.twitter.com/ytmcoU76Yt

— Arye Pulli (@AryePulliNFL) November 21, 2025

Allen was able to get back to his feet and walk back to the sideline. He did not go into the blue medical tent and was on the field for Buffalo’s next offensive series with his left elbow wrapped.

All of Buffalo was holding its breath as Allen stayed on the ground in pain. Fortunately, it looks like he avoided a serious injury. At the very least, he’s going to play through the pain. Still, the first 15 has been testing for the Bills, who saw left tackle Dion Dawkins and wide receiver Khalil Shakir both leave the game to be evaluated for a concussion. Dawkins and Shakir have since returned to the game.

Josh Allen an MVP favorite in 2025

Allen is once again one of the MVP favorites this season. He entered Thursday’s game having thrown for 2,456 yards, 18 touchdowns and seven interceptions on 69.6% passing. Allen has picked up an additional 351 yards and 10 scores with his legs.

In this past Sunday’s 44-32 Week 11 home win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Allen scored six total touchdowns (three passing, three rushing). He became the first player in NFL history to have multiple games with at least three passing and three rushing touchdowns. Otto Graham (1954) is the only other player to accomplish the feat.