The Buffalo Bills kicked off Week 14 with a practice report that’s a bit of a mixed bag - some encouraging progress, some setbacks, and a handful of players in that familiar gray area of “getting treatment, but trending okay.” Let’s break down the key developments as the Bills prepare for another pivotal matchup.
Dion Dawkins Trending Up in Concussion Protocol
The biggest positive? Left tackle Dion Dawkins returned to limited participation in Wednesday’s walkthrough.
That might not sound like much on the surface, but it’s a significant step forward in the NFL’s concussion protocol. Dawkins wasn’t even cleared for a walkthrough last week, so this marks real progress.
If he remains symptom-free, there’s a chance he could be a full participant by Thursday. Even if he stays limited through the week, he could still be cleared after a simulated practice on Saturday. Either way, this is a promising sign for a Bills offensive line that’s leaned heavily on Dawkins’ experience and consistency all season.
Spencer Brown’s Status Still Uncertain
On the other side of the line, right tackle Spencer Brown also returned to limited work after missing last week with a shoulder injury. That’s a good sign, but it doesn’t guarantee he’ll be ready for Sunday. Brown’s physical style means that shoulder needs to be close to 100% if he’s going to hold up over four quarters.
If he can’t go, Alec Anderson is likely to get the nod again - and to his credit, Anderson held his own last week. The Bills won’t rush Brown back if there’s any risk of aggravating the injury further, especially with Anderson proving to be a reliable backup.
Dalton Kincaid Returns - But with a Catch
Tight end Dalton Kincaid was also listed as a limited participant on Wednesday, which is a step in the right direction after missing three games with a hamstring injury suffered in the Week 10 loss to Miami.
However, there’s a new wrinkle: Kincaid is now dealing with a knee issue on top of the hamstring concern. That’s not ideal, especially for a player who relies on quick cuts and route precision. The Bills will likely keep a close eye on his workload this week before making any decisions about his availability on Sunday.
Terrel Bernard Still Out, But Shaq Thompson Holding It Down
Linebacker Terrel Bernard remains sidelined with the elbow injury he sustained in Week 12. While the Bills would love to have their fourth-year linebacker back in the lineup, there’s no sense in rushing him. Veteran Shaq Thompson has stepped into the MIKE role and is handling the responsibilities well.
With Thompson anchoring the middle of the defense, Buffalo can afford to be cautious with Bernard’s recovery.
More Injury Concerns for Joey Bosa and Joshua Palmer
It’s not all good news, though. Joey Bosa and Joshua Palmer both missed practice on Wednesday and are now dealing with additional injuries.
Palmer originally suffered a knee and ankle injury back in Week 6. He returned in Week 11 but was sidelined again after just two games.
Now, he’s back on the injury report with both the knee and ankle flaring up again. Given the recurring nature of these issues, a stint on Injured Reserve could be looming if things don’t improve soon.
As for Bosa, he’s been playing through a wrist injury for weeks, wearing a club-style wrap. But during Sunday’s game while chasing down Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, Bosa pulled up with a hamstring injury. Head coach Sean McDermott labeled him “week-to-week,” which could mean anywhere from one to four weeks on the sideline.
Reading between the lines, it’s unlikely Bosa will be suiting up against Joe Burrow this weekend - and Week 15 against Drake Maye is looking questionable as well.
Final Thoughts
The Bills are navigating the usual late-season injury turbulence, but there are reasons for optimism. Dawkins and Brown trending upward is a big boost for the offensive line, and Kincaid’s return - even if partial - adds another dimension to the passing game.
At the same time, managing the health of key defenders like Bernard and Bosa will be critical as Buffalo gears up for a playoff push. With depth being tested and the schedule tightening, the next few weeks will reveal just how resilient this roster really is.