Buffalo Bills Injury Report: Week 15 vs New England Patriots
Week 15 delivers a massive AFC East collision as the Buffalo Bills (9–4) head to snowy Foxborough to take on the New England Patriots (11-2), with an inch of snow in the forecast and division control hanging in the balance. The Patriots enter fresh off a bye, while the Bills are riding a gritty comeback win, but once again the conversation quickly turns to the Buffalo Bills injury report. Just when Buffalo appeared to be getting healthier, another surprise practice injury surfaced this week, reinforcing why the Buffalo Bills injury report has become required reading every week. Adding a little extra energy to the moment, Josh Allen and Hailee Steinfeld announced they’re expecting their first child, a feel-good development that could provide an emotional spark as Buffalo fights to stay within reach of the AFC East crown. With New England positioned to clinch the division and the Bills aiming to reclaim ground after ruling the AFC East for the past five straight seasons, this matchup may come down to resilience, health, and who embraces the chaos best.
The Buffalo Bills injury report remains busy heading into Week 15, with three players listed as QUESTIONABLE: linebacker Terrel Bernard, wide receiver Joshua Palmer, and cornerback Christian Benford. Benford, arguably Buffalo’s most consistent defender over the past few weeks, popped up on the Buffalo Bills injury report after suffering a toe injury in practice, putting his availability very much in doubt for this critical AFC East matchup. There is some good news, however, as the Bills are expected to get starters Joey Bosa and right tackle Spencer Brown back in the lineup, offering much-needed reinforcements on both sides of the ball. Even so, Buffalo continues to spin through its weekly injury carousel, while still carrying a lengthy IR list that includes WR Curtis Samuel, DE Landon Jackson, DT Ed Oliver, DE Michael Hoecht, WR Mecole Hardman, SAF Damar Hamlin, DT DeWayne Carter, CB Dorian Strong, K Tyler Bass, and SAF Taylor Rapp.
While the Buffalo Bills injury report has drawn most of the attention this week, the New England Patriots enter the matchup relatively clean from a health standpoint. New England lists just one player OUT in backup running back Terrell Jennings, while starting linebacker Robert Spillane is the lone QUESTIONABLE name to monitor. The Patriots’ injured reserve list does include some notable contributors; offensive tackle Will Campbell, defensive end Milton Williams, and running back Antonio Gibson. However, this is a roster far closer to full strength than what Buffalo has been navigating weekly. Fresh off a bye and riding a long winning streak, New England arrives rested, healthy, and positioned to capitalize if Buffalo’s injury issues resurface under the light snow at Gillette Stadium.
QUESTIONABLE
CB Christian Benford – Toe
Christian Benford has been Buffalo’s top defensive playmaker over the past two weeks, but his status on the Buffalo Bills injury report took a concerning turn after an unfortunate practice injury left him listed as QUESTIONABLE with a toe issue. The injury surfaced Thursday when Benford was spotted in a medical walking shoe following practice, immediately raising red flags. After logging a DNP on Friday, there is legitimate doubt surrounding his availability for Sunday. While the Bills have not disclosed specifics, several clues can be drawn from the situation. The injury is likely not severe, as Benford was already back in sneakers and walking around Friday, though a noticeable limp remained.
The team has also suggested it is not a long-term concern, but even a low-grade toe sprain (often referred to as turf toe) can require anywhere from 3–5 days up to two weeks to fully settle, making his chances of playing this weekend slim without a minor miracle (Kort).
LB Terrel Bernard – Elbow
Terrel Bernard continues to be a key name on the Buffalo Bills injury report, coming off a dislocated right elbow that he suffered in Week 12 against the Texans. It is notable that the average return-to-play timeline for this type of injury is roughly 25 days (PMC, 2018), making his availability uncertain.
Bernard was limited throughout the week in practice, after missing the past two games, and by Sunday he will have been 24 days post-injury. This puts him tantalizingly close to full recovery. However, with backup linebacker Shaq Thompson performing at a high level, the Bills face a tough decision: risk Bernard in a potentially limited role with an elbow brace, or let Thompson continue to run the defense. His status on the Buffalo Bills injury report will be one of the most-watched updates leading into this critical AFC East matchup.
WR Joshua Palmer – Ankle
Joshua Palmer remains on the Buffalo Bills injury report after missing the last two games. He initially returned following a high ankle sprain and mild MCL sprain sustained in Week 6 against Atlanta, playing roughly 50% of snaps over two games (Week 11/12) and showing signs of recovery.
Unfortunately, Palmer aggravated his injury again in practice two weeks ago, which eventually kept him out the past two weeks. This week, he was a limited participant in practice, leaving his availability for Sunday close but uncertain. With his ankle being closely monitored, and with Palmer already sidelined for consecutive contests, the Bills’ wide receiver depth remains precarious. Coach McDermott has noted, “He’s not in the best place in terms of his body and injury,” (last week) underscoring why Palmer’s status continues to dominate the Buffalo Bills injury report.
ALSO LISTED (ACTIVE)
DE Joey Bosa
Joey Bosa continues to be a headline name on the Buffalo Bills injury report, listed with both wrist and hamstring injuries. While he has been managing wrist issues since Week 8, the hamstring strain he picked up late in Week 13 forced him out of action.
Hamstring strains typically require around 13 days for recovery (Strive Tech), and by Sunday, Bosa will have 14 days of rest. After being limited early in practice this week, he returned as a full participant, signaling readiness to play. The key question remains how many snaps he will handle and whether he can be fully effective, making his presence a critical factor for Buffalo as they navigate one of the most important matchups of the season.
OT Spencer Brown – Shoulder
Spencer Brown is back on the field after missing the last two weeks due to a right shoulder injury sustained in Week 12 against the Texans, likely involving a labral tear or subluxation. Players with this type of injury typically return in roughly 1.6 weeks (PMC, 2017), and Brown will have 24 days of recovery come Sunday.
He was limited in early practice this week, but a full participant on Friday, and has been working in a harness to protect his shoulder, but has now returned as a full participant, signaling readiness to play. His return will be closely watched, as his blocking ability and post-arm stability are crucial for protecting the quarterback and maintaining Buffalo’s offensive rhythm, keeping the Buffalo Bills injury report a key storyline heading into this critical AFC East matchup.
TE Dalton Kincaid – Knee
Dalton Kincaid remains a notable name on the Buffalo Bills injury report, though his outlook has improved after a rocky few weeks. After missing three games with a hamstring injury sustained in Week 10, Kincaid is now listed due to his left knee. This is the same knee that required PCL rehab last year.
He apparently aggravated it while rehabbing before last week’s game against the Steelers but was still able to see the field, logging a 34.4% snap share. Fortunately, Kincaid was a full participant in practice this week and is expected to play on Sunday, though it remains to be seen whether he can significantly increase his snap share. His situation highlights the ongoing balancing act the Bills face, managing injuries while trying to maximize offensive contributions, keeping the Buffalo Bills injury report a central storyline as Buffalo navigates this crucial AFC East clash.
S Cole Bishop – Calf
Cole Bishop appeared in 75% of defensive snaps last week but exited the game due to what was initially reported as cramps. Despite this, he showed up on the Buffalo Bills injury report with a calf injury, raising some eyebrows given the minimal concern at the time.
Fortunately, Bishop was a full participant in practice all week, signaling readiness to play this Sunday. Still, his calf will be a key item to monitor, as it’s unusual for a player to land on the injury report for something that initially reported as cramps, making Bishop one to watch as Buffalo navigates another important AFC East matchup.
Two other players also appeared on the Buffalo Bills injury report this week, though their absences were for more minor or personal reasons. Tight end Dawson Knox missed one practice for the birth of his child, a happy occasion that temporarily limited his participation. Meanwhile, backup QB Mitch Trubisky missed a practice due to “illness,” a more concerning note given that he shares a room with Josh Allen, heightening the importance of monitoring both quarterbacks in the lead-up to Sunday’s game.
Feature Image via Beau Society
