Josh Allen has missed 6 games in his NFL career.
Buffalo Bills fans often wonder about their star quarterback’s availability. The question of how many games has Josh Allen missed comes up when discussing his impact. It’s crucial to consider his time off the field, as he is very valuable to his team’s success.
Injuries are a part of football and have kept him sidelined at different points in his career. Keeping tabs on these absences puts the season into perspective. This makes his overall performance record even more compelling.
How Many Games Has Josh Allen Missed?
Josh Allen, the star quarterback for the Buffalo Bills, is known for his incredible talent and toughness. He’s a player who gives it his all on the field. But even the toughest players sometimes have to sit out a game. So, how many games has Josh Allen missed in his NFL career? That’s a question many fans are curious about, and we’re going to dive deep into his game history to find out the answer.
Josh Allen’s Early Career and the 2018 Season
Let’s start at the very beginning, when Josh Allen first joined the Buffalo Bills. The Bills picked him in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft, and right away, everyone was excited to see what he could do. His rookie year was full of learning and growing. Josh played in 12 games that season. He didn’t play in four games that year because of an elbow injury he sustained in week 6. This injury kept him on the sidelines for about a month. He also rested in the last game of the year, because the Bills did not make the playoffs. That’s how the Bills approached the year, giving Josh plenty of time to heal and prepare for the future. Even though his rookie season had some bumps, it showed everyone a glimpse of his great potential.
The 2019 Season: A Step Forward
The next year, in 2019, Josh Allen took a big step forward. The Bills started to become a real threat. In this season, Josh demonstrated his leadership and his ability to make big plays. In the entire 2019 regular season, Josh Allen played all 16 games. This meant he didn’t miss any games that year! He showed his durability and that he was ready to lead his team. This was a great sign for Bills fans, showing that their young quarterback was getting better and stronger.
2020: Another Full Season
2020 was a breakout year for both Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills. The Bills won the AFC East, and Josh Allen had an amazing season. He was throwing touchdowns left and right, making all kinds of incredible plays. What’s really great is that just like in 2019, Josh Allen played in all 16 regular season games in 2020. That’s two whole seasons where he didn’t miss a single game due to injury. He was really showing that he could be counted on to be there for his team every week.
2021: A Minor Setback
In 2021, Josh Allen played in most of the games, but there was one he had to sit out. This happened because of the 2021 AFC Wild Card playoffs game against the New England Patriots, during which he sustained a toe injury. He managed to play in all of the regular season games. The one game that he sat out was week 18 in the 2021-2022 NFL season against the New York Jets. The Buffalo Bills already secured their playoff spot so the coaches rested most of the starters. The good news was the injury didn’t keep him out for a long time. He came back strong and ready to go for the playoffs.
2022: Continuing His Streak
In the 2022 NFL season, Josh Allen remained a consistent presence for the Buffalo Bills, showcasing his resilience and dedication to the team. He participated in every single one of the 16 regular season games. This consistent performance demonstrates his ability to stay healthy and available for his team throughout the grueling NFL schedule. This season showed that he is very tough and his body can handle a lot.
2023: A Shoulder Issue
In the 2023-2024 NFL Season, Allen experienced a shoulder issue that caused him some concern. During a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London, Josh Allen injured his right shoulder and had some discomfort afterwards. The Bills’ management chose to let him play through it, as he did not miss any time in the 2023 regular season because of the shoulder. So, he played all 17 games. Even though he might have been hurting, he showed how tough he is by playing every single week.
A Closer Look: Why Players Miss Games
It’s important to know why NFL players, like Josh Allen, might miss games. It’s not always about being injured. Here are some of the common reasons:
- Injuries: This is probably the most common reason. Players can get hurt in many ways – from a big hit to a simple twist of an ankle. Injuries can keep players out for one game or even a whole season. Common NFL injuries include concussions, knee sprains, shoulder problems, and hamstring pulls.
- Illness: Sometimes players have to miss games because they’re sick. They might have the flu, a bad cold, or another illness that keeps them from playing their best.
- Rest: Sometimes, coaches decide to rest a player to help them stay fresh and healthy for the next game, especially if the team has already secured a playoff spot. This is about making sure players don’t get worn out during the long season.
- Personal Reasons: Players might miss games for reasons outside of football. This could be family issues, a birth, or even a death in the family. These personal situations are important, and teams understand that players need time to take care of things.
- Suspension: On rare occasions, players might miss games due to suspension by the league for breaking rules or policies. These can range from minor infractions to serious rule violations.
Josh Allen’s Games Missed Breakdown
Let’s put all of this together and see a complete breakdown of the games Josh Allen has missed throughout his NFL career:
| Season | Total Games | Games Played | Games Missed Due to Injury/Rest |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 16 | 12 | 4 (Elbow Injury/Rest) |
| 2019 | 16 | 16 | 0 |
| 2020 | 16 | 16 | 0 |
| 2021 | 17 | 16 | 1 (Rest) |
| 2022 | 17 | 17 | 0 |
| 2023 | 17 | 17 | 0 |
So, to answer the main question, Josh Allen has missed a total of 5 regular season games in his NFL career because of an injury and rest. This shows that he’s been a very reliable player for the Buffalo Bills, always giving it his all when he’s on the field.
The Importance of a Quarterback’s Availability
A quarterback’s availability is super important for a team’s success. The quarterback is like the leader on the field, and when he’s not playing, it can really affect the team. Here’s why having a quarterback who can play week after week is so important:
Consistency
A quarterback who plays in every game helps the team build consistency. The players get used to playing with him, and the offense works better when the quarterback is always there.
Leadership
Quarterbacks are often leaders on the field. When they’re present every week, they can guide the team and make sure everyone is on the same page.
Rhythm
When a quarterback is in the game every week, he establishes a rhythm with his teammates. This helps the offense flow smoothly and makes the whole team better.
Confidence
When a team knows their quarterback is available, it gives them confidence. This confidence can help them play their best and win more games.
Team Performance
A healthy and consistent quarterback often leads to better overall team performance. It allows the team to plan and execute strategies effectively.
Josh Allen’s Durability and Impact
When we look at Josh Allen’s career, it’s clear he’s not only a talented quarterback, but also a tough and reliable one. Even with the minor injury in his early career, and the shoulder concern in 2023, Allen has shown he has the ability to come back stronger after setbacks. This shows that he is dedicated to his team and to playing football. His toughness is a big reason why the Buffalo Bills have become such a competitive team in the NFL. He demonstrates that a quarterback needs to be available and ready to play in every game to contribute to his team’s success.
Josh Allen has had a really great career so far. While he has missed a few games in his career, he has shown remarkable durability and has been a reliable leader for the Buffalo Bills. His ability to play week after week is important to the team’s performance and the team’s success.
"I don't know if I'd say miss" Josh Allen on former Bills WR Stefon Diggs
Final Thoughts
Josh Allen has only missed a few games in his NFL career. A shoulder injury sidelined him for one game in 2018. Then, in 2023, he missed a game due to a concussion.
Therefore, the answer to ‘how many games has josh allen missed’ is two. This total must be viewed in context of his otherwise remarkably consistent availability for the Bills.
