Sean McDermott shares an unsettling injury update involving key Bills players with the postseason nearing
Not the update fans were hoping for from Sean McDermott.
The Buffalo Bills are beginning their preparations for the upcoming Week 18 showdown against the New York Jets. While it does not hold a lot of playoff weight, the game is still hugely important as it is the final home game most likely played inside Highmark Stadium. There is a world where Buffalo could secure the No. 5 seed and maybe play a playoff game at home, but unlikely at this time.
There may not be a ton to play for in the contest, but Buffalo is still hoping to ruin a division rival’s day and walk out of Orchard Park with the victory.
The latest update from head coach Sean McDermott might make those plans a little difficult, as several key playmakers from both sides of the football were unable to practice on Wednesday. It’s a worrying update, with not a lot of time for the team to turn things around.
McDermott provides injury update ahead of Week 18
A host of players were unavailable for Buffalo, including quarterback Josh Allen, linebacker Terrel Bernard, defensive end Joey Bosa, defensive tackle DaQuan Jones, safety Jordan Poyer, and fullback Reggie Gilliam. While it was just a walkthrough, it still gives cause for concern.
Allen needed X-rays after the loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, but ultimately, they came back negative. McDermott continued his phrasing that Allen is sore, but trending in the right direction. Anytime the franchise quarterback pops up on the injury report, it immediately puts fans on alert.
In a game with little to gain, Buffalo will most likely be resting a handful of starters or just giving them a series or two in the contest. Allen, among others, will most likely just get a few snaps. Regardless, seeing that many names were once again injured ahead of the playoffs is less than ideal.
Those limited, according to McDermott, were tight ends Dalton Kincaid and Dawson Knox, defensive back Cam Lewis, and defensive tackle Jordan Phillips. Kincaid being limited is a huge sign for a team that desperately needs some more firepower on offense. He was unavailable in the loss against the Philadelphia Eagles, and you have to think things might’ve swung differently if he were available.
Some good news from the Bills’ head coach
Perhaps the most exciting update is that kicker Matt Prater was a full-participant. Prater has been inactive for the past two weeks while dealing with an injury, but he seems to be a full-go for the season finale.
In his absence, the team brought on kicker Michael Badgley, who left much to be desired, missing some extra points and not being as effective on kickoffs as Prater has been. Isn’t it weird that a 41-year-old kicker being healthy is the most exciting part about the injury update? Or is it just me?
At the end of the day, Week 18 may not define Buffalo’s season, but how the Bills come out of it could still matter. Staying healthy, finding a little rhythm, and walking off the field at Highmark Stadium one last time with a win would be a meaningful step as the focus shifts fully to the playoffs.
For now, all eyes will undoubtedly be on Allen and how he progresses through his injury. If nothing else, just throw him in some bubble wrap, let him play one snap against the Jets, and then onto the playoffs.
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