Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott announced that at least three players will not play against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Jan. 11.
During his weekly interview on WGR 550, McDermott said cornerback Maxwell Hairston (ankle) and linebacker Terrel Bernard (calf) will not play. Safety Damar Hamlin (pectoral) will remain on IR, as well, after being a limited participant in practice, according to The Buffalo News’ Katherine Fitzgerald.
Wide receiver Joshua Palmer (ankle) and running back Ty Johnson (ankle) are also questionable, according to Fitzgerald. Johnson will participate in the team’s final practice, but Palmer will not.
How Injuries Will Impact the Buffalo Bills
GettyBuffalo Bills linebacker Terrel Bernard has registered 65 tackles and seven TFLs this season despite missing five games.
Adding Hamlin back to the secondary and special teams would’ve been a positive. However, the Bills will be hurt most by Bernard’s and Hairston’s absences.
Despite missing five games, Bernard is fourth on the team in tackles (65). He also registered seven TFLs, one interception, and two fumble recoveries and plays in the heart of the Bills’ defense. He is a steady presence as a team captain, which can be valuable in the playoffs.
Hairston is just as important as the Bills are down to three cornerbacks. So, depth will be an issue. Tre’Davious White, Christian Benford, and Dane Jackson will suit up against the Jaguars. Jackson signed to the active roster from the practice squad on Jan. 7.
The Bills have the top secondary in the league, in terms of passing yards allowed per game (156.9). However, they’ve faced the second-fewest passing attempts because teams have gashed them on the ground. Opponents have averaged 136.2 rushing yards per game, the fifth-most in the NFL.
The Jaguars have produced 337.4 total yards per game while averaging 222.3 through the air and 115.1 on the ground. They rank in the middle of the league in both categories — 12th in passing and 20th in rushing — so the matchup plays into Buffalo’s favor.
Other Bills Injuries to Note
GettyBuffalo Bills kicker Matt Prater has converted 18 of his 20 field goal attempts this year while missing three extra points.
The key player to watch is kicker Matt Prater (right quad). The veteran didn’t practice on Jan. 7, but logged a full practice the following day. According to Bills reporter Maddy Glab, McDermott said Prater will not participate in the final practice of the week, which isn’t uncommon, adding: “They will see how he trends heading into the weekend.”
The Bills signed kicker Matthew Wright to the practice squad on Jan 6. He’s put together a decent career over five NFL seasons, converting 60 of his 68 field goal attempts for eight different teams. He kicked for three different teams this year and converted all five of his field goal attempts.
Prater missed two field goals and three extra points this season. He hasn’t kicked a field goal in the past four weeks after missing games against the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles. He returned in Buffalo’s season finale against the New York Jets and converted all three of his point-after attempts.
Palmer and Johnson would be positive additions if they played against the Jaguars, as they’ve filled vital roles.
The 26-year-old wide receiver started the season on a high note, catching five passes for 61 yards in a season-opening win over the Baltimore Ravens. However, outside of a two-catch, 60-yard performance against the Atlanta Falcons on Oct. 13, he hasn’t been that productive this season.
Johnson has been a mainstay in the backfield alongside running backs James Cook and Ray Davis. He rushed for 200 yards and three touchdowns, but also caught 24 passes for 263 yards and another two scores.
Palmer should be considered a long shot as he hasn’t practiced at all. However, Johnson recording at least one practice is a positive sign that he’s trending in the right direction.
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