Bills QB Josh Allen Reveals Broken Foot Bone, Underwent Surgery

Allen expects to be back for start of OTAs in May after procedure on fifth metatarsal

Jan. 29, 2026 at 3:47pm

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Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen revealed he had a broken bone in his right foot that required surgery, an injury he played through in the final weeks of the season. Allen said the surgery was to remove the broken bone and clean up the area, but he expects to be ready for the start of OTAs in May. The quarterback also discussed the emotional toll of the Bills' playoff exit and the firing of head coach Sean McDermott, who Allen said he has a deep respect for.

Why it matters

Allen's injury and recovery timeline are crucial for the Bills as they transition to a new head coach in Joe Brady. The team will want their star quarterback healthy and ready to go for the start of the 2026 season after falling short of their Super Bowl aspirations.

The details

Allen said he suffered the broken bone in his right foot, specifically the fifth metatarsal on the outer part of his foot, during the Bills' narrow Week 16 win over the Cleveland Browns. He had the procedure done on Monday in Birmingham, Alabama. Despite the injury, Allen said he would have been able to play if the Bills had a game this week, though it has been painful. The quarterback expects to be back for the start of OTAs in May, over three months away, and doesn't anticipate the injury hindering him when those workouts begin.

  • Allen had the surgery on his foot on Monday, January 27, 2026.
  • Allen expects to be back for the start of OTAs in May 2026.

The players

Josh Allen

The starting quarterback for the Buffalo Bills who revealed he had a broken bone in his right foot that required surgery.

Joe Brady

The new head coach of the Buffalo Bills, promoted from offensive coordinator after the team fired Sean McDermott.

Terry Pegula

The owner of the Buffalo Bills who called Allen to inform him of the decision to fire head coach Sean McDermott.

Brandon Beane

The general manager of the Buffalo Bills who was involved in the head coaching search process that led to the hiring of Joe Brady.

Sean McDermott

The former head coach of the Buffalo Bills who was fired after the team's playoff exit.

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What they’re saying

“I had a little broken bone in there. So they went and took it out and cleaned it up. Obviously not ideal situation, painful throughout the weeks. But, game day, different story, just being able to put that to the side and just go out there and play football.”

— Josh Allen, Quarterback

“I'm not even lying, if we had to play a game this week, I would figure it out to play a game. It's a little painful right now, but it wasn't a crazy surgery.”

— Josh Allen, Quarterback

“Very, very emotional. I'm sitting in my house. I wake up to a call from Mr. Pegula telling me what had transpired. And I called Coach McDermott immediately. I've got nothing but love and respect for Coach McDermott. The last eight seasons, eight years of my life, he's been through ups and downs of me as a player, as a person. He's seen me grow up in a sense.”

— Josh Allen, Quarterback

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.