The Buffalo Bills returned to their practice facility at One Bills Drive on Thursday, but the team’s injury list continues to grow ahead of their Week 16 game against the Cleveland Browns. Head coach Sean McDermott told reporters that only defensive tackle Jordan Phillips (ankle) and kicker Matt Platt (right quadriceps) would not participate in practice, but the team’s “did not practice” (DNP) list was doubled after McDermott’s initial report.
Also unavailable Thursday are offensive tackle Dion Dawkins (illness) and tight end Dalton Kincaid (knee), who were designated players (the same as Phillips and Prater) left in Buffalo’s practice session on Wednesday. There’s even more frustrating news about Kinkaid, who appears to be the Bills’ replacement in the passing game. Many will be keeping a close eye on Kinkaid at the end of the week to see if he improves or if he will be out again this season.
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That’s not the full picture of the team’s injury situation, with a total of six players listed as “restricted,” three of whom were not designated Wednesday. We know No. 5 cornerback Talon Johnson (quadriceps) and defensive tackle Da’Quan Jones (calf) were injured before, but both were listed as “full” participants on Wednesday. Their status reverting to “limited” isn’t the best news for availability this weekend.
But now, three other players will be available on a limited basis due to what we can only assume are new injuries. Defensive back Cam Lewis is now listed with a hamstring injury, and offensive tackle Chase Lunt appears to have a knee injury. Additionally, punter Mitch Wishnowsky suffered a right knee injury. All three had zero designations Wednesday.
There is good news that has the biggest impact on defense. Cornerback Christian Benford continues to practice this week while dealing with a toe injury. Benford is still a solid “limited” participant, but that’s a good sign that he’s more than capable of field work. Meanwhile, linebacker Terrell Bernard appears to be making good progress with his elbow injury. Bernard was designated a “limited” participant at the start of the week, but he was upgraded to a “full” participant on Thursday.
Receiver/specialist Mecole Hardman Jr. has a window to return to practice this week, and he’s quickly taking advantage of the opportunity. Hardman went from “limited” on Wednesday to “full” on Thursday.
