Bills put into a nightmare scenario as disaster strikes during Week 18 against the New York Jets with playoffs looming
Not the news fans were hoping for with the playoffs looming.
The Buffalo Bills took care of business against the New York Jets in Week 18. It was a fitting farewell to Highmark Stadium, filled with plenty of emotion and storylines throughout.
Quarterback Josh Allen continued his unprecedented start streak, taking a single snap before calling it a day. Fellow quarterback Mitch Trubisky filled in nicely for Allen, finding the end zone multiple times in the win and helping make things smooth sailing for Buffalo.
Running back James Cook continued his run at the NFL’s rushing title, taking a few carries before also calling it a day, and tight end Dawson Knox earned a massive payday with his touchdown early on.
That’s not to say that everything was coming up roses for Buffalo, and the latest injury report spells disaster for the team heading into the postseason. Early in the second half, kicker Matt Prater was announced to be out of the contest with a quad injury, the same injury that has seen him sidelined for the past few games for Buffalo. Then, in the fourth quarter, rookie cornerback Maxwell Hairston went down with an injury and was forced out of the contest.
Disaster strikes in Buffalo ahead of playoffs
Prater was brought to the team ahead of the Week 1 win against the Baltimore Ravens and has filled in exceptionally in Tyler Bass’ absence. Prater has been more than a little efficient throughout his 2025 season, winding back the clock of Father Time.
Prater suffered a calf injury and was sidelined for multiple games for Buffalo, forcing the team to bring in an emergency replacement in kicker Michael Badgley, who didn’t necessarily fit in well in Prater’s absence. Badgley missed a handful of extra points, some proving costly, especially in the loss against the Philadelphia Eagles.
For Hairston, his young NFL career has been plagued by some injuries. Before the season began, he suffered a non-contact knee injury that sidelined him for six games. While he’s had an up-and-down rookie season at times, overall, he’s played well and is a big part of the identity of the defense.
Having a reliable kicker and a starting cornerback in the postseason is hugely important, and there has been no word as of the time of publication on just how severe the injuries are. Nevertheless, with the recent kicking woes in Prater’s absence, and Hairston’s rise on defense, it doesn’t have fans excited at the thought of what is to come.
For a team with Super Bowl aspirations, even a minor injury at the wrong position can loom large. Until Buffalo gets clarity on Prater and Hairston’s statuses, the feel-good finale at Highmark Stadium comes with an uncomfortable postseason question mark.
Buffalo Bills News
Bills get hit with some brutal playoff injury news at the worst possible time ahead of Week 18 clash against the New York Jets
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