Bills forced to look for outside help after key playmaker goes down with last-second injury after victory over the Patriots
A devastating blow for the Buffalo Bills after the Week 15 win over New England Patriots.
The Bills Mafia is still celebrating the win over New England, living off the high from the electric comeback victory. Quarterback Josh Allen and running back James Cook were phenomenal on offense, helping lead the team to a dub.
Unfortunately, the highs of the victory were disrupted by the latest update from head coach Sean McDermott. He spoke to the media on Monday, providing an injury update.
Matt Prater injury update
McDermott shared that kicker Matt Prater suffered a quad injury and is considered week to week, already ruled out for the upcoming matchup. Buffalo is down a kicker and must bring someone in to compete on Sunday against the Cleveland Browns.
The team signed Prater ahead of the Week 1 contest after fellow kicker Tyler Bass suffered a hip/groin injury during the preseason that stemmed from training camp. Bass has since been placed on injured reserve, undergoing surgery, and knocked out for the entirety of the season.
Prater has been exceptional in 2025
Prater has been playing great in Bass’ absence. In the Week 1 comeback win, he nailed the game-winner and has been more reliable than not throughout his time with the Bills. While not shattering his career bests, the 41-year-old is outperforming his previous seasons statistically.
His extra-point percentage (93.5%) is a touch lower than his career average (97.1%) with plenty of season left to turn it around. Still, if he finished where he’s at now, it wouldn’t be his worst season. As for field goals made, his percentage (90%) is higher than his career average (83.8%).
McDermott provided an update on a slew of players
Cornerback Christian Benford and linebacker Terrel Bernard are improving, which would give the defense a huge boost.
The other good news was that the team might open wide receiver Mecole Hardman’s injured reserve window, allowing him to practice for up to 21 days before the team must sign him to the active roster or move him back to injured reserve.
During the win, the only injury that was reported was that of defensive tackle Jordan Phillips. McDermott said that his injury, like Prater’s, is considered week to week, and he will be out.
Fortunately, that means everyone else should be full systems go. The team was nearing full health until Benford popped up late with an injury, so outside of Phillips and Prater, the team is trending in the right direction. However, Prater’s lack of availability is worrisome this late in the season.
While losing a kicker now is far from ideal, Buffalo has shown repeatedly that it can weather adversity.
With some key pieces trending in the right direction and the offense firing on all cylinders, at least in the second half, the Bills remain in a strong position as they gear up for Cleveland.
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