The Buffalo Bills are facing injury challenges as they prepare to host the Cincinnati Bengals on December 7. Both of their tight ends are dealing with health issues, raising concerns for the team”s offensive strategy.
Tight end Dalton Kincaid has been sidelined since November 9 due to a hamstring injury sustained against the Miami Dolphins. Meanwhile, rookie tight end Jackson Hawes appeared on the official practice report on Wednesday with a back issue, but he was able to fully participate in the team”s walk-through session held in Orchard Park.
Despite the back concern, Hawes has shown his capabilities as a reliable run blocker, participating in all 12 games this season with a 44 percent snap share. The Bills are limited to three tight ends on their active 53-man roster, putting additional pressure on the remaining players.
New additions to this week”s injury report include long snapper Reid Ferguson, who is dealing with a neck issue, and second-round rookie defensive tackle TJ Sanders, who has a wrist injury. Both players were full participants in Wednesday”s practice.
Ferguson has not missed a game since taking over the long snapper role in 2017, while Sanders is just returning from a stint on Injured Reserve after undergoing knee surgery earlier in the season.
Kincaid, who was originally listed as questionable last week, seemed to be on track to return against the Bengals. However, a recent knee aggravation in addition to his hamstring issue has put his availability in doubt. This knee problem is reminiscent of issues he faced during the 2024 season and some aggravation during training camp.
Linebacker Terrel Bernard and wide receiver Joshua Palmer are also sidelined. Bernard has been out since injuring his elbow on November 20, while Palmer is still recovering from an ankle and knee injury that occurred on October 13 against the Atlanta Falcons.
In another setback, defensive end Joey Bosa did not practice after suffering a hamstring injury late in the Week 13 win. His status has now been labeled as week-to-week.
The injury report for the Bills ahead of their critical game against the Bengals is as follows:
- LB Terrel Bernard (elbow) — DNP
- DE Joey Bosa (hamstring) — DNP
- WR Joshua Palmer (knee/ankle) — DNP
- OL Spencer Brown (shoulder) — Limited
- OL Dion Dawkins (concussion) — Limited
- TE Dalton Kincaid (hamstring/knee) — Limited
- LS Reid Ferguson (neck) — Full
- FB Reggie Gilliam (knee) — Full
- TE Jackson Hawes (back) — Full
- DT TJ Sanders (wrist) — Full
The Bills will need to navigate these injury challenges effectively as they approach a crucial matchup against the Bengals.
