The Buffalo Bills started the 2023 NFL season with a loss to the New York Jets, but they bounced back stronger by securing big wins in the next three games. By ending the Miami Dolphins winning streak, they were showcasing every potential to have a potential Super Bowl run this year.
However, the Buffalo Bills faced another setback in Week 5, suffering a 5-point loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Adding to their recent loss, the franchise is dealing with a major headache: an injury-plagued squad with several starters uncertain about returning to play after sustaining injuries in recent games. As a response, they signed Josh Norman to bolster their defense in preparation for the upcoming game against the New York Giants in American football.
Who is Josh Norman?
Norman, an NFL cornerback, started his professional football career after getting drafted with a fifth-round pick by the Carolina Panthers back in 2012. The veteran saw his All-Pro season three years later by helping the team to earn the NFC Champions following a 15-1 regular season.
The former Pro-Bowler recorded 56 total tackles, three forced fumbles along with two fumble recoveries, 18 passes defended, and a career-high four interceptions that season, giving him the First Team All-Pro honor. After spending four seasons in Carolina, he signed with the Washington Commanders and stayed with them for four years.
The ex-panthers veteran signed with the Bills in the 2020 season, but stayed only one season with the franchise, and later got enrolled in the San Francisco 49ers roster in 2021. He once again agreed to terms with the Panthers practice squad and didn’t sign any deal with any NFL franchises this season.
Josh Norman joins Bills in response to Jaguars defeat
The Bills linebacker Matt Milano and defensive lineman DaQuan Jones have been declared out of the squad indefinitely due to their respective surgeries, and cornerback Tre’Davious White sustained a season-ending Achilles injury in Week 4. Besides them, defensive ends Greg Rousseau (foot), and Shaq Lawson (toe) as well as cornerback Christian Benford (shoulder) could not play in their recent match against the Jacksonville Jaguars, forcing the team to sign new members to boost their secondary.
According to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, Buffalo signed Norman to their practice squad, albeit the terms and conditions of it have not been disclosed yet. The team’s defensive line coach/assistant head coach Eric Washington also confirmed information about his addition on Monday.
After signing with the Bills as a free agent three years ago, the 12-year NFL vet had been a starter in three games and recorded 24 tackles, an interception, four pass deflections along with one touchdown, and a forced fumble. While the CB’s performance might not be too incredible, his experience and familiarity with the team might be a plus point for them. But, as a member of the practice squad, he might not be able to appear in-game action.
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