The Buffalo Bills will take on the New England Patriots today, attempting to bounce back from a disappointing loss earlier in the season. However, the Bills will be without their standout cornerback, Christian Benford, who suffered a toe injury during practice on Thursday. Following a missed practice on Friday, Benford was deemed questionable for the game. Despite testing his injury before kickoff, the team ultimately ruled him out, marking a significant blow to Buffalo’s defense.
In Benford’s absence, first-round draft choice Max Hairston will step in as a starter alongside Tre’Davious White. To bolster depth at the position, veteran Dane Jackson has been elevated from the practice squad. Benford’s inactivity was anticipated, but the Bills surprised many by also making Gabe Davis a healthy scratch. With Joshua Palmer returning to the lineup, Davis found himself sidelined, leading to speculation about the team’s receiver strategy.
Inactives and Game Strategy
The Bills issued their full list of inactive players ahead of the game, which includes key figures such as Benford and Davis. The complete list is as follows:
– CB Christian Benford
– WR Gabe Davis
– OL Chase Lundt
– LB Terrel Bernard
– S Darnell Savage
– OT Tylan Grable
– DT Phidarian Mathis
Buffalo will welcome back Spencer Brown and Joey Bosa for this critical AFC East matchup, providing a boost to their offensive and defensive lines as they seek to reclaim a winning momentum.
For the Patriots, today’s inactive list features a few notable names, including:
– OLB Bradyn Swinson
– T Marcus Bryant
– DT Eric Gregory
– TE C.J. Dippre
– WR Efton Chism
– QB Tommy DeVito (Emergency 3rd QB)
Patriots’ captain Robert Spillane is active for the game despite being listed as questionable due to a foot injury.
As the Bills prepare to face their divisional rivals, the absence of Benford is sure to affect their defensive game plan. The team will look to leverage its depth and adjust strategies to counter the Patriots’ offensive threats. The kickoff is set for a pivotal showdown at Highmark Stadium, as both teams aim to solidify their positions in the AFC standings.
