Late in the Bills’ 26-7 win over the Steelers on Sunday, Buffalo may have picked up a win in the standings but lost a key piece on defense - at least temporarily. Star edge rusher Joey Bosa exited the game with a hamstring injury and was listed as questionable to return. He never did.
The exit was quiet - no dramatic limp, no cart, no sideline commotion. In fact, it wasn’t until the team officially announced it that most realized Bosa was done for the day.
But before he left, he made his presence felt in a big way. Bosa came off the edge and delivered a signature strip-sack on Aaron Rodgers, forcing his fifth fumble of the season.
That ties him for the franchise’s single-season record - and it couldn’t have come at a better time for a defense that’s already thin at the position.
After the game, Bosa didn’t appear to be in visible discomfort. He moved around without a noticeable limp and walked off the field with his teammates.
That’s at least a mild sigh of relief for Bills fans. It’s possible the team was simply being cautious with the 30-year-old, especially given his injury history.
But it’s also possible he tweaked something just enough to warrant a week or two on the shelf.
And here’s where the context matters: Bosa hasn’t missed a game all season. That’s a big deal for a player who, despite his talent, has struggled to stay on the field consistently.
He’s only completed two full seasons in his ten-year career - the last one back in 2019. So while his availability this year has been a welcome surprise, it also means Buffalo has been leaning heavily on him in a defense already dealing with attrition.
The timing of this potential setback isn’t ideal. The Bills are gearing up to host Joe Burrow and the Bengals next Sunday - a matchup that demands a pass rush.
Buffalo is already without Michael Hoecht (Achilles) and Landon Jackson (knee), both of whom are on injured reserve. If Bosa can’t suit up, the Bills are down to just three healthy defensive ends: Greg Rousseau, A.J.
Epenesa, and rookie Javon Solomon.
That’s not a lot of depth when you're facing one of the league’s more poised pocket passers in Burrow. The silver lining?
Buffalo has options on the practice squad. Morgan Fox, who joined the team in mid-November, has yet to be elevated for a game.
He’s eligible for three standard call-ups, so if Bosa needs time, Fox could be the next man up. Veteran Shaq Lawson is also on the practice squad and could be tapped to provide some rotational snaps.
For now, the Bills will wait and see how Bosa’s hamstring responds in the coming days. But with the AFC playoff picture tightening and a high-powered Bengals offense on deck, Buffalo will be hoping their veteran pass rusher is more sore than sidelined.