Key Losses on the Bills’ Offense for the Game Against the Steelers
The Buffalo Bills will face the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday with significant absences in their offense. Coach Sean McDermott confirmed that starting offensive tackles, Dion Dawkins and Spencer Brown, will be unable to participate in the game. Both players suffered injuries during the Week 12 loss against the Houston Texans. Brown injured his shoulder and although he tried to keep playing, he couldn’t finish the game. Dawkins, for his part, was evaluated for a concussion during the game, but was cleared to return. However, the next day, he reported symptoms related to the concussion and was placed in the protocol, where he remains. This will be the first time Dawkins misses a game due to injury since December 1, 2022. In addition to Dawkins and Brown, linebacker Terrel Bernard (elbow) and wide receiver Curtis Samuel (elbow/knee) have also been ruled out for the game. McDermott indicated that it doesn’t seem likely that Brown and/or Bernard will be placed on injured reserve. Wide receiver Joshua Palmer (ankle) and tight end Dalton Kincaid (hamstring) are questionable for the game. Palmer did not participate in Thursday’s practice due to a previous injury. Kincaid has missed the last two games. The Bills are hoping to have offensive reinforcements after Allen was sacked eight times against the Texans, the most in his career. The offense has scored less than 20 points in their three road losses this season. The offensive line has led the league’s best rushing attack (147.2 yards per game). Ryan Van Demark and Alec Anderson are the leading candidates to fill the tackle positions. Van Demark has already started in place of Brown this season. Tylan Grable, who opened his practice window this week but remains on injured reserve, is also an option.“We are analyzing the different options,” McDermott said. “We have a lot of confidence in those guys. Some are younger, others a little older… What they lack in experience, they will make up for with grit, toughness, and those who play alongside them will help them as best they can.”
Sean McDermott
