A powerful pre-winter storm-in has led to uncertainty for the Buffalo Bills as they prepare for a Week 12 home date against the New York Jets.
NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported Wednesday that the league is working with the Bills to determine the viability of Ralph Wilson Stadium -- which, like the rest of the region, is under a thick blanket of snow.
A Bills spokesman told Rapoport that the team is "working on snow removal and (the) plan is to still (play) at Sunday at 1 (p.m. ET), and that "if that were to change, it would be the league's call." Rapoport added that there is a driving ban, so there are currently no players at the stadium.
Rapoport also contacted a league official, who said there is no specific timeline in place, and the league will make a decision based on input from the team and local authorities.
The Bills and Jetsmust know by Friday if the game can be played as scheduled before making a call on a contingency plan, Rapoport reported, per a league source.
Approximately four feet of snow was dumped on the region by Wednesday, a figure confirmed by the team spokesman, who added that another two to three feet have been predicted for Thursday. The forecast calls for a rise in temperature by the weekend, but more snowfall is expected before then. ESPN's Ed Werder reported that the Bills have concerns beyond stadium accessibility, including practice preparation and team meetings.
One potential solution -- playing the game at the opposition's home stadium -- won't work because the Jets share their facility with the Giants, who will play the Cowboys at home Sunday night.
Lake effect snow is no joke. To wit ...
And then there's this ...
Consequences, consequences, consequences.
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