The Buffalo Bills are 8-2 and on track to secure their fifth consecutive AFC East title. However, an expanding injury list leading up to next weekend’s matchup with the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs poses a significant challenge that could jeopardize the team’s Super Bowl aspirations.
Tight end Dalton Kincaid became the latest key offensive player for the Bills to be sidelined due to injury, suffering a hard fall on his left knee during Sunday’s 30-20 win over the Indianapolis Colts. With wide receivers Amari Cooper and Keon Coleman already out, Buffalo can’t afford to lose another playmaker.
The challenges don’t stop with the Chiefs, either. After their matchup with Kansas City, the Bills face a bye week, followed by tough games against the San Francisco 49ers, Los Angeles Rams, and Detroit Lions—one of the most difficult four-game stretches in the NFL this season. As such, the impact of ongoing injuries will be significant.
Bills Injuries Leave Little Margin for Error vs. Chiefs
Buffalo Injury Report Breakdown
Last week, the Bills’ injury report included 20 players, or 37.7 percent of their 53-man roster. That’s a concerning figure, especially considering it doesn’t even account for players on injured reserve. The team’s IR list includes several key defensive players, further complicating their situation.
LB Matt Milano
DE Dawuane Smoot
DT DeWayne Carter
LB Baylon Spector
Matt Milano sustained a bicep injury during training camp, with an initial recovery timeline suggesting he could return in December. However, it’s already mid-November, and the team has yet to open his 21-day practice window. As a result, the All-Pro linebacker’s availability for the remainder of the season remains uncertain.
Linebacker Terrel Bernard has been sidelined for three games due to ankle and pectoral injuries. Playing without either him or Matt Milano in the heart of the defense has been a significant challenge for the Bills. It’s one of the main reasons Buffalo has struggled to contain opponents’ rushing attacks this season.
That said, the more pressing concerns right now are on the offensive side of the ball.
Amari Cooper, Keon Coleman, and Dalton Kincaid are all uncertain for Sunday’s matchup with the Chiefs. Top receiver Khalil Shakir missed a game earlier this season due to an ankle injury, and Curtis Samuel has also been dealing with a pectoral issue.
Quarterback Josh Allen, who injured his non-throwing hand in Week 1 against the Arizona Cardinals, has been listed on the injury report ever since, though he has yet to miss any games.
All things considered, it’s fair to say that injuries, rather than any performance-related issues, pose the biggest threat to Buffalo’s hopes of making a deep playoff run.
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