Buffalo Rumblings
The Buffalo Bills were back on the practice fields at One Bills Drive Thursday, but the team’s injury list continues to grow ahead of the Week 16 game at the Cleveland Browns. Head coach Sean McDermott informed reporters that only defensive tackle Jordan Phillips (ankle) and kicker Matt Prater (right quadriceps) would not practice, but the team’s Did Not Practice (DNP) list doubled after McDermott’s initial report.
Also unable to practice on Thursday were offensive tackle Dion Dawkins (illness) and tight end Dalton Kincaid (knee), which were carry-over designations (same as Phillips and Prater) from Buffalo’s walk-through session on Wednesday. It’s yet more frustrating news about Kincaid, who seems to be the Bills’ alternator for the passing game. Plenty will be keeping an eye on Kincaid to end the week to see if he improves, or if he’s set to be sidelined once again this season.
That was anything but the full scope of the team’s injury situation, with a total of six players listed as “Limited” — and three of whom had no designation on Wednesday. We knew that nickel cornerback Taron Johnson (quadriceps) and defensive tackle DaQuan Jones (calf) had preexisting injuries, but both were listed as “Full” participants on Wednesday. Their statuses reverting to “Limited” isn’t the best news for their availability this weekend.
But now, three more players were only available on a limited basis thanks to what we can only surmise are new injuries. Defensive back Cam Lewis is now listed with a hamstring injury, and offensive tackle Chase Lundt appears to have picked up a knee injury. Furthermore, punter Mitch Wishnowsky has endured a right knee injury. All three had zero designations on Wednesday.
There is good news, which most impacts the defense. Cornerback Christian Benford continues to practice this week while dealing with a toe injury. Benford continues to be a steady “Limited” participant, but it’s a good sign that he’s able to do on-field work at all. Meanwhile, linebacker Terrel Bernard appears to be making good progress with his elbow injury. Bernard started the week with a “Limited” designation, but he was upgraded to a “Full” participant on Thursday.
Wide receiver/specialist Mecole Hardman Jr. had his return-to-practice window opened this week, and he’s making quick work of the opportunity. Hardman went from “Limited” on Wednesday, to “Full” on Thursday.
