Buffalo Bills Injury Report: Week 10 vs New York Jets
The Buffalo Bills Injury Report heads into Week 10 with an AFC East matchup against the 2-7 New York Jets. The 7-1 Bills are looking to keep their division rivals grounded, and the timing couldn’t be better. After the FAA brought air travel to a standstill this weekend, the Jets are already having trouble getting off the ground. Now Buffalo gets a chance to make sure they stay there on Sunday. The Bills also made a splash this week, trading a second-round pick for safety Amani Hooker and a fifth-round pick, who is expected to see at least some action in his Bills debut. With a few key starters appearing on the injury report, let’s take a look at who’s banged up heading into this divisional showdown.
The Bills have one player listed as Doubtful: OT Spencer Brown (ankle). Four others are Questionable: CB Christian Benford (wrist), DB Sam Franklin (shoulder), DB Jordan Hancock (hamstring), and WR Tyrell Shavers (knee). Josh Allen may have the thighs to carry this team, but even Superman needs a little protection. Hancock has officially been elevated to the 53-man roster, while Shavers appears likely to have to wait until next week for his return.
The Jets have a crowded injury report, with eight players listed as Questionable, but most appear to be trending toward playing after finishing Friday’s practice as full participants. The lone player ruled out is LB Trevin Wallace (groin). Garrett Wilson (concussion), Omar Cooper Jr. (ankle), and Joseph Ossai (ankle) all look to be on track to suit up. The bigger concern for New York is along the defensive line, where two key pieces, DTs T’Vondre Sweat and David Onyemata, remain on injured reserve. That’s not exactly the front you’d want heading into a matchup with Josh Allen and the Bills.
DOUBTFUL
Spencer Brown, OT | Ankle
Brown is listed as Doubtful after missing Thursday and Friday’s practices with an ankle injury. That’s a bit surprising considering he was limited Wednesday. The big tackle has already missed a couple of games this season with back issues, so it’s worth keeping an eye on whether that’s still playing a role. However, the injury listed this week is to his ankle.
Brown appeared to suffer a low ankle sprain late in last week’s game but never missed a snap. These injuries typically come with a relatively short recovery. One NFL team study found players missed an average of about 6.5 days and less than half a game following a lateral ankle sprain.
It’s a little surprising Brown couldn’t get back on the field this week, but the timeline should be favorable for a return next week. That is, assuming there isn’t another underlying back issue complicating things.
QUESTIONABLE
Christian Benford, CB | Wrist
Benford exited the Vikings game just before halftime with a right wrist injury, raising some initial concern after reports surfaced that he needed to be carted to the locker room. In hindsight, that was likely just to get him down for a quick X-ray, which came back negative. He was cleared to return, so the initial panic was short-lived.
This week, Benford progressed from limited to limited to full participation. He says he’s good, and I’m expecting him to play. Chalk this one up as a likely wrist sprain, with the full practice Friday being a very encouraging sign.
Sam Franklin, DB | Shoulder
Franklin was a surprise addition to the injury report, first appearing Thursday after having no designation Wednesday. That can sometimes point to an injury picked up during practice. He was limited Thursday and Friday, so it doesn’t appear to be severe, but there’s a realistic chance the special teams standout misses a week. We’ll see how he responds heading into Sunday.
Jordan Hancock, DB | Hamstring
Hancock landed on injured reserve back in September and has now had roughly seven weeks to recover from his hamstring injury. The Bills opened his return window last week and officially elevated him to the 53-man roster today. His return could come at a good time, especially if Sam Franklin can’t go. Hancock adds depth at both safety and nickel corner, with special teams potentially being his first opportunity to contribute.
Tyrell Shavers, WR | Knee (ACL)
I wouldn’t expect Shavers to play this week, but the clock is officially ticking. His 21-day practice window expires after the Jets game, meaning the Bills will have to make a decision: activate him to the 53-man roster or shut him down for the remainder of the season.
Wide receivers returning from ACL reconstruction average around 10.9 months before returning to play. Shavers is right around that mark, so he’s approaching a reasonable return timeline. The Bills have given him every opportunity to get ready, but now they need to decide if he’s ready for game action. Either way, the clock runs out after Sunday. Shavers is running out of runway.
ALSO LISTED
LT Dion Dawkins is set to return after missing one game with a rib injury. OG Alec Anderson is also returning after missing last week with an ankle injury. TE Dalton Kincaid was limited this week with an ankle injury suffered against Minnesota, while C Connor McGovern also had some limited practices due to a neck issue.
One name flying under the radar is DT Deone Walker, who isn’t listed on the injury report but is dealing with a thumb injury. The good news? WR DJ Moore has finally come off the injury report after battling that shoulder issue for much of the season. Hopefully, that’s one less thing to worry about.
The ThighDoctor’s Final Thigh Check 🦵🩺
The Bills should be in decent shape heading into this AFC East matchup, but Spencer Brown’s ankle is the biggest concern. Christian Benford looks ready to roll, and Jordan Hancock’s return gives the secondary some much-needed depth. Sam Franklin remains a question mark, while Tyrell Shavers is running out of time to make his return this season.
The good news is Dion Dawkins is back, DJ Moore is finally off the injury report, and Buffalo has added safety Amani Hooker to the mix. Now it’s time to take care of business against the Jets. Keep Josh Allen upright, keep those thighs healthy, and let’s ground the Jets one more time.
When in doubt, thigh it out!
