Injury details emerged before the Bills’ win over the Patriots on Sunday Josh Allen had played through most of the campaign. The MVP favorite’s left (i.e., non-throwing) hand was broken until recently, although the illness did not affect his level of play.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports that Allen suffered the injury in Week 1 and that he appeared on subsequent injury reports for several weeks as a result. The 28-year-old remained on Buffalo’s injury reports even after the team’s bye in Week 12, but did not miss a game due to the illness. By the time the Bills took on the Patriots on Sunday, the fracture had healed.

The clarification of the nature of Allen’s injury is notable because many quarterbacks miss at least some game action due to hand injuries (even if the non-throwing hand is affected). The two-time Pro Bowler has led an offense that ranks second in the NFL in points scored and seventh in yards receiving, while posting top-10 averages through the air and on the ground. That puts him right in the running to win his first career MVP award, and since he’s achieved much of his success while not fully healthy, his chances of winning the award could increase.

Allen’s left hand injury is now behind him, but he suffered a serious blow to his right arm during yesterday’s game. He managed to stay in the game, but said afterwards that he had “no feeling” in his right hand for a while after the hit. Allen produced fewer statistical results than in many other games this season, but it was enough (along with the Bills’ performance on defense) to earn a win. His status in the coming days will be worth monitoring, but considering his ability to stay in the lineup so far this year, the missed time in Allen’s case would be a surprise.

The Bills’ win kept them in the running for the No. 1 seed in the AFC. With the season still ending with games against the Jets and Patriots, a 14-3 record is certainly feasible given Buffalo’s head-to-head lead over Kansas City. Regardless of how the race for the first-round bye plays out, Allen’s ability to maintain his level of play over the remainder of the season and into the postseason will play a critical role.