The Buffalo Bills defense keeps finding a way to rise, even as the injuries keep piling up. Sunday’s 23-7 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers was another gritty chapter in a season that’s tested their depth and resilience - and they may have to dig even deeper moving forward.
Edge rusher Joey Bosa, who’s been a force since arriving in Buffalo, added another big play to his 2025 highlight reel with a strip sack of Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers in the third quarter. That forced fumble - his fifth of the season, tying a franchise record - flipped the game.
Cornerback Christian Benford scooped it up and took it to the house, giving the Bills a lead they wouldn’t relinquish. But Bosa didn’t come out of the game unscathed.
He suffered a hamstring injury during the contest, and head coach Sean McDermott said Monday they’re still evaluating the severity. “We’ll see where that goes,” McDermott told reporters, leaving Bosa’s Week 14 status up in the air.
The injury is especially concerning given Bosa’s history. He missed 23 games over the last three seasons with the Chargers, and this year alone he’s already dealt with calf and hip issues. For a player who’s been such a disruptive presence when healthy, the Bills will be holding their breath this week.
And Bosa isn’t the only one on the mend. Pro Bowl left tackle Dion Dawkins remains in concussion protocol after sitting out Sunday’s game.
The Bills are hopeful to get him back soon, but there’s no clear timeline yet. Meanwhile, several other key starters are progressing in their recoveries.
Linebacker Terrel Bernard (elbow), right tackle Spencer Brown (shoulder), tight end Dalton Kincaid (hamstring), and wide receiver Joshua Palmer (ankle) are all trending in the right direction, according to McDermott.
One player who won’t be returning this season is kicker Tyler Bass. After trying to play through a lingering groin injury, Bass underwent surgery that officially ends his 2025 campaign.
“We thought it was going away, then it wasn’t,” McDermott said. “The decision to get surgery was almost made up for him.”
It’s a tough blow for a player who’s been a steady presence in the kicking game, and the Bills will now lean on a replacement for the stretch run.
Despite the growing injury list, Buffalo continues to find ways to win. At 8-4, they remain firmly in the playoff picture and will look to keep that momentum going when they host the Cincinnati Bengals (4-8) this Sunday. With Bosa’s status uncertain and several starters still working their way back, the Bills’ depth will once again be tested - but if Sunday’s performance was any indication, this group is ready for the challenge.