Bernard (calf) was spotted participating in the Bills' OTAs on Wednesday, Matt Parrino of Syracuse.com reports. Bernard missed Buffalo's final three games (including playoffs) last season due to a calf injury. However, his participation in Wednesday's OTAs suggests he's recovered from the issue. The Baylor product dealt with multiple injuries during the 2025 campaign, appearing in just 12 regular-season games and recording 65 total tackles and three passes defensed, including one interception. Now fully healthy, Bernard is expected to remain a crucial part of the Bills' linebacker corps in 2026.
Bernard (calf) tallied 65 total tackles (44 solo) and three passes defensed, including one interception, over 12 regular-season contests in 2025. Bernard has seen vast declines across several statistical categories over the last two seasons, recording fewer total tackles (143 to 65), sacks (6.5 to zero), passes defensed (five to three) and interceptions (three to one) compared to his 2023 campaign. However, his 2025 season was cut short by injuries, missing five regular-season contests and both of the Bills' playoff games. Bernard was one of Buffalo's best tacklers when healthy, recording the fourth-most stops on the team. Under contract through 2029, the Baylor product is expected to remain one of the Bills' top inside linebackers in 2026.
Bernard (calf) is inactive for Buffalo's divisional-round matchup versus the Broncos on Saturday, Alec White of the team's official site reports. Bernard managed to be a limited participant in practice throughout the week but will nonetheless be sidelined for a third consecutive game. In his absence, Dorian Williams and Joe Andreessen could see increased playing time, while Bernard will look to return next week during the AFC Championship Game should the Bills defeat Denver.