Terrel

Bernard

He got in three limited practice sessions this week, likely enough to toe a true questionable line. Bernard would replace one of Matt Milano or Shaq Thompson if he’s able to play on Saturday.

Bernard injured the calf in Week 17 and has not practiced yet while earning a pair of rule-outs. Dorian Williams and Joe Andreessen saw all the linebacker snaps against the Jets in a meaningless Week 18, while we’d expect to see Shaq Thompson and Matt Milano out there for the Bills on Sunday against the Jaguars. Buffalo also ruled out 2025 first-round CB Maxwell Hairston (ankle), who injured himself late in Week 18.

It doesn’t bode well for his playoff status either. Bernard left Week 17’s game against the Eagles and was questionable to return, but never did. Bernard has only played in 11 games this year while dealing with a number of injuries. He has 65 tackles and three passes defensed.

Bernard has dealt with an ankle injury for much of the season, and this calf injury appears to be on the same side. Shaq Thompson will take his place in the lineup and has actually been the superior player of the two while Bernard has been banged up.

Benford picked up a toe injury in practice on Thursday and was a DNP on Friday. He was spotted without a walking boot on the sideline during Friday’s practice. He’s likely a true question mark at this point. LB Terrel Bernard (elbow) got in three limited sessions this week and was also put on the questionable line by Sean McDermott.

The Bills’ offensive line held up well last weekend, even with Brown and left tackle Dion Dawkins (concussion) out. Dawkins is back for this one, but the Bills will still be down their starting right tackle in a snow game, where they could rely on James Cook and the rushing attack a lot. Joey Bosa continues to be week-to-week, but his loss is a big one for this pass rush, and Shaq Thompson will start again with Terrel Bernard out.

Dawkins was out of the non-contact jersey on Thursday and is now on track to play on Sunday against the Bengals. While Dawkins will be back in action after one game away, head coach Sean McDermott said EDGE Joey Bosa and LB Terrel Bernard would be out in Week 14, while WR Joshua Palmer will be listed as doubtful.

Terrel Bernard (elbow) joined him on the sideline. Bernard hasn’t practiced for some time. For Epenesa, it appears he was injured in practice on Wednesday, as this was a new placement on the report. We’ll probably get more from Sean McDermott on Friday — yes, him saying “a player is hurt” might be “more” in this case — but Epenesa should be regarded as questionable now.

Bills RT Spencer Brown (shoulder) also upgraded to limited. Both players were sidelined for the entirety of Week 13. The Bills face the Bengals’ pushover pass-rush unit in Week 14. Although the offense can likely get by without their starting offensive tackles, having them on the field would give Buffalo a significant edge in the trenches. Bills LB Terrel Bernard (elbow) remains sidelined.

Head coach Sean McDermott also ruled out RT Spencer Brown (shoulder), LB Terrel Bernard (elbow), and WR Curtis Samuel (elbow/knee), for Sunday’s contest. With both bookend tackles sidelined, the Bills will likely roll with Ryan Van Demark at left tackle and Chase Lundt at right tackle, which could make life tough for Josh Allen against a defense that has the fourth-highest blitz rate and fifth-highest sack total (34) this season.