The Buffalo Bills are heading into their Wild Card playoff game against the Pittsburgh Steelers with a banged-up defense, raising concerns about their ability to contain the Steelers’ high-powered offense.
Key Defenders Uncertain for Saturday’s Showdown
Starting cornerback Rasul Douglas and linebacker Tyrel Dodson are both nursing injuries that could sideline them for the crucial game.
While Bills head coach Sean McDermott classified all the team’s injuries in Miami as day-to-day, Dodson was the only one to participate in practice on Wednesday, with Douglas sitting out.
The absence of Douglas would be a significant blow to the Bills’ secondary, as he has been a key contributor throughout the season. Dane Jackson, a Pittsburgh product himself, would likely step into the starting lineup if Douglas is unable to play.
Jackson filled in admirably for Douglas in the Week 17 game against the Dolphins after Douglas left with a knee injury due to friendly fire.
Dodson’s potential absence would also be a cause for concern, as he is a versatile linebacker who can play both inside and outside. His ability to blitz and cover tight ends would be missed against the Steelers’ potent offense.
Other Injuries Create Receiving Shuffle
Safety Taylor Rapp is battling a calf injury and did not practice on Wednesday. Wide receiver Gabe Davis, who torched the Steelers last year with three catches for 171 yards and two touchdowns, is out with a PCL sprain.
Davis’s absence would mean more playing time for Khalil Shakir and Trent Sherfield. Shakir is a reliable slot receiver who has a knack for making first downs and touchdowns.
Sherfield has been more up-and-down this season, but he made a spectacular touchdown catch against the Dolphins on a deflected pass, showcasing his potential.
The Bills may also need to lean more on their tight ends and running backs in the passing game if Davis is out. Dalton Kincaid and Dawson Knox could see an increase in targets, while James Cook and Leonard Fournette could be used more in screen passes and check-downs.
Running back Ty Johnson, the team’s third-down and receiving specialist, is also dealing with a concussion and could miss the game.
Watt Out, Fitzpatrick In for Steelers
While the Bills are dealing with injury concerns, the Steelers will be without star linebacker T.J. Watt, who is out for the season with a pectoral tear. However, they will likely get a boost with the return of safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, who missed the last three games of the regular season with a knee injury.
Practice Will Tell for Bills’ Walking Wounded
The Bills’ injury situation will remain unclear until their practice participation over the next two days. Their ability to get healthy and field a full-strength defense will be a major factor in determining the outcome of their Wild Card matchup against the Steelers.