Bills Get a Key Reinforcement Up Front as Spencer Brown Returns to the Lineup
As the Buffalo Bills gear up for the final stretch of the regular season, they’re finally getting some much-needed reinforcements-and not a moment too soon. Head coach Sean McDermott confirmed that four players-Terrel Bernard, Joey Bosa, Spencer Brown, and Josh Palmer-were all limited participants in Wednesday’s walkthrough. But among that group, one name stands out with immediate impact: Spencer Brown is officially back in the lineup.
Brown, who had been sidelined with a shoulder injury suffered in Week 12 against the Texans, told reporters he’s ready to go this week when the Bills take on the New England Patriots. And that’s big news for a Buffalo offensive line that’s been in patchwork mode for the past few weeks.
A Full Starting Line Returns for Buffalo
With Brown returning to his spot at right tackle, the Bills are finally fielding their full starting offensive line again-a unit that’s critical to their postseason hopes. While Buffalo’s front five hasn’t been quite as dominant this season, the return of Brown stabilizes a group that’s been tested by injuries and shuffled personnel.
Josh Allen has already taken 17 more sacks this year than he did all of last season. That’s not all on the line, of course-Allen’s aggressive play style and extended time in the pocket are part of the equation-but the protection hasn’t been as consistent, especially in recent weeks.
When Brown went down, the Bills turned to backups Alec Anderson and Ryan Van Demark to hold the line. And to their credit, they stepped up in tough spots. Against Pittsburgh, they didn’t allow a single sack, a testament to their preparation and grit in a high-stakes AFC matchup.
But the following week in Cincinnati told a different story. Dion Dawkins returned on the left side, and Van Demark slid over to fill in for Brown at right tackle.
That’s where the cracks started to show. The Bengals’ pass rush got home three times, and Van Demark was flagged for a holding penalty that erased what would’ve been James Cook’s longest run of the day.
It was a reminder of how thin the margin is when you’re relying on backups in the trenches.
Brown’s Return Brings Stability-and Confidence
With Brown back, the Bills regain a physical, athletic presence on the edge-someone who knows the system, has chemistry with the rest of the line, and can help re-establish balance in both the run and pass game. His return doesn’t just help Allen stay upright; it gives Buffalo the flexibility to get more creative with their protections and play calls.
This is a team still fighting for playoff position, and every snap matters from here on out. With Brown anchoring the right side and Dawkins on the left, Buffalo has a chance to reassert itself in the trenches-a critical factor as the weather turns cold and the games get even more physical.
Alec Anderson and Ryan Van Demark deserve plenty of credit for holding the line when called upon. They stepped into high-pressure situations and kept the offense afloat. But there’s no question that getting Brown back is a major upgrade at a crucial time.
Now, the hope in Buffalo is simple: keep the starting five healthy. Because with the full offensive line intact, the Bills look a lot more like the team no one wants to face in December.