The Buffalo Bills have one final challenge ahead of their Week 12 bye as they host the Kansas City Chiefs this afternoon at Highmark Stadium. While the primary objective is securing a victory, staying healthy is undoubtedly a secondary priority for a team plagued by injuries in recent years.
This season’s early wave of injuries might offer a silver lining: a potentially healthier roster come playoff time. However, for now, the Bills must navigate Week 11 without key players, including two starting pass-catchers and possibly their starting right tackle. Meanwhile, their defense is also depleted, with several starters on Injured Reserve (IR).
The Chiefs face their own injury issues, with notable absences such as their defensive end, multiple wide receivers, and kicker Harrison Butker. However, Kansas City has adapted to playing without key contributors throughout the season, and any inactive players this week are likely healthy scratches.
Injury Breakdown: Bills Offense vs. Chiefs Defense
*Buffalo Injuries:**
*Questionable:** OT Spencer Brown, WR Amari Cooper
– **Out:** WR Keon Coleman, TE Dalton Kincaid
– **IR:** OT Tylan Grable*Kansas City Injuries:**
– **IR:** DE Charles Omenihu, CB Jaylen Watson
Buffalo’s offense has lacked a clear WR1 this season, though midseason trade acquisition Amari Cooper has offered a stabilizing presence. Despite a wrist injury sidelining him after just two games, Cooper may return today, potentially playing with a cast. His availability is a game-time decision, but the lack of a practice-squad elevation suggests optimism.
However, rookie wide receiver Keon Coleman, who had developed strong chemistry with quarterback Josh Allen, will miss his third consecutive game due to injury. Tight end Dalton Kincaid is also unavailable, leaving the Bills to rely on untested tight end Zach Davidson, elevated from the practice squad as a contingency.
The Chiefs’ defense, despite missing cornerback Jaylen Watson and defensive end Charles Omenihu, has remained solid. Cornerback Trent McDuffie continues to anchor their secondary alongside Joshua Williams and safeties Justin Reid and Bryan Cook. Their defensive line, even without Omenihu, has managed six sacks this season and will aim to exploit either an injured Spencer Brown or inexperienced tackle Ryan Van Demark.
Kansas City’s defense, combined with Buffalo’s injury-depleted offense, could tilt the scales in this high-stakes AFC clash.
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