With a playoff spot already locked up, the Buffalo Bills have shifted their focus to one thing: getting healthy for the postseason. But the job isn’t done just yet. There are still two regular-season games left, and while the odds are long, the AFC East crown is still technically in play.
This Sunday, the Bills return to Orchard Park for a marquee matchup against Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles. It's a big test, but Buffalo won’t be at full strength-particularly on the defensive side of the ball.
Head coach Sean McDermott confirmed earlier that the Bills will be without some key veterans. Defensive tackle Jordan Phillips and safety Jordan Poyer have both been ruled out, along with kicker Matt Prater. That’s a trio of experienced contributors who won’t be suiting up against one of the NFC’s top teams.
And the hits don’t stop there. Defensive tackle DaQuan Jones, who’s been battling a calf injury since suffering it during pregame warmups back in Week 6, also won’t be available. That’s a significant loss for Buffalo’s interior D-line, especially against a Philadelphia offense that thrives on physicality in the trenches.
But it’s not just the defense that’s hurting.
The tight end room could be in serious flux heading into Week 17. Both Dawson Knox and Dalton Kincaid are officially listed as questionable with knee injuries. That’s not ideal for an offense that leans heavily on two-tight end sets and relies on both players to keep the short passing game humming.
There is a bit of optimism, though. Knox and Kincaid were limited participants in Friday’s practice-a step in the right direction after being held out earlier in the week. It’s not a guarantee they’ll play, but it’s better than a full DNP heading into the weekend.
If neither is able to go, the Bills will turn to rookie Jackson Hawes. He’s shown flashes as a blocker and has the hands to be a reliable check-down option for Josh Allen. Still, there’s no denying that losing both Knox and Kincaid would change the dynamic of this offense.
Allen has built strong chemistry with both tight ends, particularly in the short and intermediate routes where Buffalo likes to attack. Knox brings physicality and red zone savvy, while Kincaid has emerged as a smooth route-runner with reliable hands. If they’re both sidelined, it could force the Bills to adjust their approach-and fast.
With playoff positioning still on the line and a heavyweight opponent coming to town, this Sunday’s game carries more weight than your typical late-December matchup. The Bills are in, but how they finish the regular season could say a lot about how far they’ll go once the postseason kicks off.
For now, all eyes are on the injury report-and whether Buffalo’s key contributors can get back on the field in time to make one more push.