The Buffalo Bills have officially ruled out three defensive players for their Wild Card playoff matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars on January 7, 2024. Head coach Sean McDermott announced that linebacker Terrel Bernard, cornerback Maxwell Hairston, and safety Damar Hamlin will not participate in the crucial game.
Bernard is sidelined due to a calf injury, which prevented him from practicing throughout the week. Hairston has been managing an ankle injury, while Hamlin has not played since early October due to a pectoral injury. The absence of these key players could significantly impact the Bills’ defensive strategy as they seek to advance in the playoffs.
In a slight positive development for the team, kicker Matt Prater has returned to full practice after sustaining an injury during last week’s game against the New York Jets. To ensure they have options, the Bills also signed kicker Matthew Wright to their practice squad earlier this week, preparing for any potential contingency should Prater be unable to play.
The injury situation for the Jaguars appears less complicated. Their injury report lists only one player who did not practice all week, offensive guard Cole Van Lanen. This relative health advantage could give Jacksonville an edge as they prepare for the playoff contest.
Kickoff for the highly anticipated game is scheduled for 13:00 local time on Sunday. Both teams will be looking to establish momentum early, but the Bills will need to adjust their game plan in light of their defensive losses. The stakes are high, and both teams are eager to secure a victory as they aim for a deeper playoff run.
