Bills Win Big, But Week 16 Brings Injury Concerns and Encouraging Returns
The Buffalo Bills walked out of Foxborough with a crucial win on Sunday - and even more importantly, they escaped with minimal new injuries. But while the quantity is low, the quality of those injuries is what could make things tricky heading into Week 16.
Let’s start in the trenches. Veteran defensive tackle Jordan Phillips exited early against the Patriots with an ankle injury.
He was spotted on the sideline with heavy tape, but postgame images of him in a walking boot told the real story. Head coach Sean McDermott didn’t waste time confirming Phillips won’t be available for Sunday’s matchup in Cleveland.
Given his role as a rotational disruptor on the interior, that’s a significant absence for a defense that’s been leaning on its depth all season.
Then there’s kicker Matt Prater. He finished Sunday’s game without any visible issues, but McDermott revealed Monday that Prater is dealing with a quad injury and will also sit out this week.
It’s a tough blow, especially considering how reliable Prater has been from long range. Special teams consistency becomes even more critical in December football, and Buffalo will now need to adjust on the fly.
Hardman Nearing Return, But Faces Crowded WR Room
On the positive side, the Bills opened Mecole Hardman Jr.’s practice window. The speedy wideout and return specialist has been sidelined with a calf injury since shortly after joining the team, logging less than a full game before landing on IR. Now, the clock starts ticking - Buffalo has 21 days to activate him.
The challenge? The landscape has shifted in his absence.
Brandin Cooks is now in the fold, Gabe Davis has earned a spot on the active roster, and rookie Ray Davis has emerged as a legitimate option in the return game. That said, with Joshua Palmer battling injuries and Keon Coleman still not quite living up to expectations, Hardman’s explosiveness could still carve out a role.
His return could be a timely boost if the Bills decide to shuffle the deck.
Benford, Bernard Trending Up
Two key defenders - cornerback Christian Benford and linebacker Terrell Bernard - were back working with teammates on Wednesday. Neither suited up against New England, but both appear to be trending in the right direction.
Bernard has been sidelined for three-and-a-half games with a dislocated elbow, a tough blow for one of Buffalo’s most versatile defenders. He was close to returning last week, officially listed as questionable, but ultimately didn’t get the green light.
Benford, meanwhile, has been on a tear when healthy. His recent two-game stretch included two picks, a fumble recovery, two touchdowns, and a Defensive Player of the Week nod.
But a toe injury during practice last week kept him out. He gave it a go during pregame warmups but couldn’t move well enough to suit up.
If he’s able to return, it would be a huge lift for a secondary that’s been opportunistic but thin.
Kincaid’s Knee Worth Watching
One situation to monitor closely is tight end Dalton Kincaid. The talented third-year pass catcher was held out of Wednesday’s practice due to a lingering knee issue. It’s an injury that’s been hanging around for over a year - quiet during the offseason, but flaring up again after he dealt with a hamstring tweak back in Week 10.
Last week, Kincaid was a full participant all week despite the knee still being listed. Now, he's inactive to start Week 16 prep. It’s not panic time yet, but with Kincaid playing a growing role in the offense, his health is something the Bills will be watching like a hawk as the week unfolds.
Bottom Line
The Bills are coming off a strong win and, all things considered, are in relatively solid shape injury-wise heading into a pivotal Week 16. Losing Phillips and Prater stings, no question - but the potential returns of Hardman, Bernard, and Benford could help offset those losses.
And if Kincaid’s knee settles down, Buffalo could be getting healthier at just the right time. December football is all about depth, adaptability, and momentum - and the Bills are still very much in the thick of it.