Josh Allen Played Through Flu in Bills' Season Opener

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen played through a significant illness during the team's season-opening victory over the Detroit Lions on Thursday night. Allen, who was reportedly "shivering in the hot tub" and avoided hospital admission, threw for 248 yards and three touchdowns while also rushing for two scores in the Bills' 41-31 win at the new Highmark Stadium.

Despite his condition, Allen achieved several statistical milestones. With his third touchdown pass of the game, a connection with tight end Dawson Knox, Allen became the first quarterback since 1960 to record at least three passing and three rushing touchdowns in the first two games of a season. He also became the first player in NFL history with five or more touchdown passes and three or more rushing scores within the season's first two contests.

Allen's performance drew praise from his new head coach, Joe Brady, who secured his second consecutive win to start his head coaching career. "You watch how [Josh] plays, and it’s like, how does everybody else not feel like they need to empty it out … because he literally gave everything he had out there," Brady said after the game. "He put the team on his back in a lot of those situations."

Allen will have some time to recover before the Bills' next game against the Chargers in Week 3.