NFL Week 14 Injury Tracker: Key Updates from Bills vs. Bengals
In a game with playoff implications and plenty of physicality, both the Buffalo Bills and Cincinnati Bengals saw key players head to the sideline due to injury. Here's a breakdown of the notable in-game updates, as both teams dealt with a mix of tough hits, cold-weather conditions, and some unfortunate timing.
Buffalo Bills Injury Updates
Khalil Shakir - Right Foot/Ankle
Midway through the game, with the Bills trying to chip away at a 10-point deficit, wide receiver Khalil Shakir took a screen pass on third-and-eight and tried to make something happen. He picked up five yards before colliding awkwardly with his own blocker. Shakir got up clearly limping, favoring his right leg as he made his way back to the huddle.
The good news for Buffalo: Shakir returned after halftime and didn’t show any visible signs of the earlier injury. He moved well and didn’t appear to be limited, which is a positive sign for a Bills offense that needs all the playmakers it can get down the stretch.
Cole Bishop - Cramping (Questionable)
Late in the fourth quarter, with the Bills down by three and looking for a stop, rookie safety Cole Bishop was noticeably absent from the field. He tried to re-enter the game on a key third-and-six but quickly ran back to the sideline, clearly not 100%. Just a few plays later, the Bengals capitalized and extended their lead to 10.
Bishop was later ruled questionable to return due to cramping and was spotted heading to the locker room. In a tight game where every defensive snap counts, his absence was felt.
Cincinnati Bengals Injury Updates
Tee Higgins - Concussion Concerns
Higgins had already missed Week 13 while in concussion protocol, but after logging two full practices this week, he was cleared and active for today’s matchup. Early on, though, there was a scary moment.
Higgins went up to grab a sideline pass from Joe Burrow but came down hard, with his head bouncing off the turf. The ball fell incomplete, and Higgins headed straight to the medical tent.
He was cleared to return and got back on the field, but the concern wasn’t over. In the fourth quarter, Higgins again hit the frozen turf hard-this time staying down and clutching his head.
He made his way to the sideline without his helmet and didn’t return to the game. Two head impacts in one afternoon is never something to take lightly, and all eyes will be on how the Bengals handle his status moving forward.
Joseph Ossai - Shin (Questionable)
Defensive end Joseph Ossai was added to the injury report with a shin issue. He was listed as questionable, and his availability moving forward will be something to monitor. Ossai brings energy off the edge, and the Bengals’ pass rush depth takes a hit if he’s not at full strength.
PJ Jules - Left Ankle (Out)
Safety PJ Jules was ruled out with a left ankle injury. While he’s not a starter, Jules contributes on special teams and adds depth to the secondary-both of which matter in a game this physical.
Final Thoughts
Injuries are always part of the story in December football, especially in cold-weather showdowns like this one at Highmark Stadium. For the Bills, seeing Shakir bounce back and return to action was a good sign, but Bishop’s late-game absence came at a tough time.
For the Bengals, the situation with Tee Higgins is the biggest concern. After missing time with a concussion already, two head impacts in one game raise serious questions about his availability-and his health-moving forward.
With both teams fighting for playoff positioning, how they manage these injuries in the coming days could have a major impact on their postseason hopes.