The Buffalo Bills’ injury report didn’t look all that different after their second day of practice, but a few names did shuffle around as they prepare for Monday night’s matchup with the NFC’s two-seeded Minnesota Vikings.
Ty Johnson was back on the field, while Sam Franklin, Jr. was the one sidelined this time because of an illness. Dalton Kincaid also moved in the right direction, getting upgraded to a full participant. That’s a positive sign for the fourth-year tight end, who is still trying to get through a full season without missing any time.
Khalil Shakir was absent from Friday’s practice for personal reasons, and Deone Walker showed up with a thumb injury for the first time. Even so, Walker was still a full participant.
The biggest concern remains up front. Dion Dawkins missed a second straight day with a rib injury, one he said he picked up in the first quarter of last week’s win over the Baltimore Ravens. The Bills’ left tackle said he expects to be ready for Monday night.
Alec Anderson’s situation looks less encouraging. He has now gone two straight days without practicing because of an ankle injury, and he was seen in a boot after Sunday’s game. The expectation here is that he’ll miss Monday, which leaves the Bills sorting through whether Tylan Grable or Austin Corbett fills his spot.
Spencer Brown has also been limited on both days this week. A questionable tag on Saturday would make sense, though the expectation is that he plays. The bigger issue is how long he can hold up before his back acts up again.
Buffalo’s game plan figures to lean heavily on James Cook, along with plenty of quick slants, so the health of that front line matters. The question is whether a patched-together group can hold up long enough to make it work.
Minnesota’s report brought only a small change of its own. Running back Demond Claiborne went from limited with a knee injury to not practicing at all.
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