BREAKING: Buffalo Bills Hit With Major Injury Setbacks Ahead of Lions Showdown: Key Players Questionable

The Buffalo Bills are facing potential absences from key secondary players ahead of their Sunday clash with the Detroit Lions, with safeties Damar Hamlin and Taylor Rapp and cornerback Rasul Douglas all dealing with injuries. However, there is some positive news on the defensive front as defensive end Dawuane Smoot and linebacker Baylon Spector are nearing a return after stints on injured reserve. These developments come as the Bills aim to close the gap on the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC standings, with limited time left in the season to secure a top playoff seed.

 

Bills Face Uncertainty on Defense

Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott confirmed that the team has opened the 21-day practice window for defensive end Dawuane Smoot and linebacker Baylon Spector, a crucial step toward their potential return from injured reserve. McDermott shared that the team would assess whether to add them back to the 53-man roster within three weeks or place them on season-ending IR. Spector has been out since Week 10 due to a calf injury, while Smoot has battled multiple injuries, missing the first three weeks of the season with a toe injury and then getting hurt again in Week 9 against the Dolphins.

Meanwhile, the Bills are dealing with significant injury concerns in the secondary. Cornerback Rasul Douglas and safety Taylor Rapp missed practice on Wednesday, and safety Damar Hamlin was added to the injury report on Thursday. The team’s ability to practice was impacted by a snowstorm in Buffalo, which led to parts of the city being under a state of emergency, leaving uncertainty about the availability of these players for the upcoming game

The Buffalo Bills are facing potential absences from key secondary players ahead of their Sunday clash with the Detroit Lions, with safeties Damar Hamlin and Taylor Rapp and cornerback Rasul Douglas all dealing with injuries. However, there is some positive news on the defensive front as defensive end Dawuane Smoot and linebacker Baylon Spector are nearing a return after stints on injured reserve. These developments come as the Bills aim to close the gap on the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC standings, with limited time left in the season to secure a top playoff seed.

Big Opportunity for Returning Bills Player

If either safety Taylor Rapp or Damar Hamlin is unable to play against the Detroit Lions, the Buffalo Bills could turn to veteran safety Micah Hyde, who rejoined the team last week by signing to the practice squad. Head coach Sean McDermott emphasized that Hyde was not expected to replace anyone on the active roster, reassuring that the team remains confident in their current secondary depth, including Rapp, Hamlin, and others like Cole Bishop and Kareem Jackson. However, with Rapp and Hamlin’s uncertain statuses for Sunday’s game, the Bills may elevate Hyde from the practice squad, as they can promote him up to three times during the regular season, with new elevations available in the playoffs