Chiefs in perfect health as Bills rule out key defensive starter in final injury report for AFC Championship Game
The Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills have completed their final practice sessions of the week ahead of Sunday's AFC Championship Game. As we expected on Thursday, Bills HC Sean McDermott officially ruled out S Taylor Rapp for the AFC title game. It's massive news, as Rapp was a big part of stifling the Chiefs' passing […]
The Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills have completed their final practice sessions of the week ahead of Sunday's AFC Championship Game.
As we expected on Thursday, Bills HC Sean McDermott officially ruled out S Taylor Rapp for the AFC title game.
It's massive news, as Rapp was a big part of stifling the Chiefs' passing attack back in Week 11. He was targeted just twice in coverage and allowed a single reception to Chiefs WR Mecole Hardman. Bills rookie S Cole Bishop will be tasked with replacing Rapp after playing 397 defensive snaps in 16 games with four starts during the 2024 NFL season. According to Pro Football Focus, Bishop has allowed 18 catches on 25 targets for 232 yards this season.
Here are the final injury reports for both teams, complete with game status designations. . .
Chiefs' final injury report:
| Player | Injury | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Game Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G Mike Caliendo | Shoulder | FP | FP | FP | — |
QB Patrick Mahomes | Ankle | FP | FP | FP | — |
RT Jawaan Taylor | Knee | FP | FP | FP | — |
CB Jaylen Watson | Ankle | FP | FP | FP | — |
KEY: DNP = Did not participate | LP = Limited participation | FP = Full participation | NIR = Not injury related
Observations:
- Nothing has changed for Kansas City all week. They're in perfect health, and everyone has practiced in full participation. Another reminder of why the playoff first-round bye week matters so much.
Bills' final injury report:
| Player | Injury | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Game Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
CB Christian Benford | Concussion / NIR (Personal) | LP | LP | DNP | Questionable |
OT Dion Dawkins | Illness | DNP | FP | FP | — |
S Damar Hamlin | Rib | FP | FP | FP | — |
CB Taron Johnson | Neck/Shoulder | FP | LP | FP | — |
TE Dalton Kincaid | Knee | FP | FP | FP | — |
DB Cam Lewis | Shoulder | FP | FP | FP | — |
C Connor McGovern | Shoulder | FP | FP | FP | — |
LB Matt Milano | Biceps/Hamstring | LP | LP | FP | — |
S Taylor Rapp | Back/Hip | DNP | DNP | DNP | OUT |
DE Greg Rousseau | Finger | FP | FP | FP | — |
LB Dorian Williams | Elbow | FP | FP | FP | — |
LB Baylon Spector (IR) | Calf | FP | FP | FP | Questionable |
KEY: DNP = Did not participate | LP = Limited participation | FP = Full participation | NIR = Not injury related
Observations:
- The one to monitor for Buffalo is CB Christian Benford. He remains in the concussion protocol, and without practice on Friday due to personal reasons, it's unclear if he'll be able to get out of the protocol by gameday.
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