Bills confirm suspicion in a major setback before the Bengals game as McDermott reveals fears that have hung over the team
A devastating update from head coach Sean McDermott.
The Buffalo Bills and Cincinnati Bengals are set to face off in Week 14, and it’s confirmed that the Bills are going to be shorthanded in the matchup. Head coach Sean McDermott confirmed the suspicion while speaking with WGR 550 on Friday morning.
It was a week filled with injuries and surprises coming out of One Bills Drive. Defensive end Joey Bosa is dealing with a week-to-week hamstring injury that could sideline him for the next several games, and fellow defensive end A.J. Epenesa popped up on Thursday with a foot injury, putting into doubt his availability for the upcoming matchup. Fortunately, Epenesa “should be fine,” according to McDermott. The head coach also ruled out linebacker Terrel Bernard for the matchup.
Not only that, but quarterback Josh Allen and the offense might be down another weapon as wide receiver Josh Palmer has been labeled as doubtful. For Palmer, it’s a frustrating update on a player who has struggled to stay healthy throughout the season. Buffalo spent some big money to bring him in this offseason, and his lack of availability has been concerning, to say the least.
There was some good news coming out of One Bills Drive, though, as offensive tackle Dion Dawkins has cleared concussion protocol. Buffalo is getting back some important protection up front.
Bills are once again looking at a next-man-up type approach for Week 14
Bosa’s production will be difficult to replicate, but it was a good sign that the team might be getting back Epenesa after he suffered an injury and wasn’t available to practice.
For Bernard, fortunately, the team has a solid backup option who has been performing exceptionally well throughout the season in linebacker Shaq Thompson. In fact, when Thompson is on the field, the Bills aren’t getting gashed against the run, an encouraging sign that the team will be in a good spot to succeed come Sunday.
Perhaps the biggest news was what McDermott didn’t mention that tight end Dalton Kincaid appears to have no injury designation for the upcoming contest. Friday’s final injury report will paint a clearer picture of where the team is sitting, outside of Bosa and Bernard being ruled out.
At this point, all eyes shift to Friday’s final injury report. With Bosa and Bernard officially ruled out and several key pieces still trending toward game-time decisions, the Bills will once again need to lean on their depth. How Buffalo responds to another week of adversity may very well determine how Sunday unfolds.
NFL
Bills Injury Report: Potentially devastating blow for Buffalo at the worst possible time ahead of Week 14 showdown against the Bengals
A potentially devastating blow for Buffalo heading into Week 14.
