Bills Elevate Keleki Latu Amid Dalton Kincaid’s Hamstring Injury

The Buffalo Bills received a setback in their tight end corps as Dalton Kincaid has been sidelined with a lingering hamstring injury throughout November. The team responded quickly, making adjustments to maintain offensive balance for their upcoming matchup.

ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter reported that the Bills elevated 23-year-old tight end Keleki Latu to the active roster in anticipation of Sunday’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Latu could provide quarterback Josh Allen with a 6-foot-7 target in certain offensive packages.

Latu, who caught his lone reception of the season against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Nov. 16, now has the opportunity to contribute in a meaningful role. His elevation comes at a critical juncture in the season when teams are entering a heightened phase of urgency in the playoff race.

Head coach Sean McDermott emphasized the need to maximize depth at key positions, acknowledging that every roster move counts as Buffalo looks to maintain its status as an AFC contender while navigating injuries.

1. Impact of Kincaid’s Injury

Dalton Kincaid, one of the Bills’ primary offensive weapons, has been listed as questionable due to a hamstring issue that has limited him for the past month. His absence creates challenges in both the red zone and intermediate passing game. Kincaid’s injury not only affects game planning but also places additional pressure on Josh Allen to distribute the ball effectively to remaining tight ends and wide receivers. Buffalo’s offensive strategy relies heavily on versatility at the tight end position, making depth critical. McDermott’s decision to elevate Latu underscores the importance of continuity at tight end, especially during a stretch when Buffalo’s playoff positioning remains fluid. Latu’s size and athleticism provide an option for contested catches and red-zone targets. This move also highlights the broader theme of roster flexibility in the NFL, where teams must quickly adapt to injuries to sustain competitiveness over the final weeks of the regular season.

2. Latu’s Role and Potential Contribution

Keleki Latu, entering his second NFL season, provides a unique matchup advantage due to his height and length. At 6-foot-7, he offers Allen a reliable target in jump-ball situations and situational packages near the goal line. While Latu’s in-game experience is limited, he has participated in team drills and preseason matchups, giving the coaching staff insight into how he can be deployed effectively. His inclusion allows Buffalo to preserve offensive spacing and maintain multiple personnel groupings. The Bills could also use Latu in a blocking role, assisting in both pass protection and run schemes, which helps mitigate the loss of Kincaid’s versatility. His contribution may not be headline-grabbing but could influence key situational plays. Overall, Latu’s activation demonstrates how teams strategically integrate less experienced players to maintain balance, especially during critical late-season contests with playoff implications.

3. Playoff Context and AFC East Race

Buffalo enters Sunday’s matchup trailing the New England Patriots by two games in the AFC East at 9-2 overall. The team’s streak of consecutive division titles since 2019 is at risk if they cannot regain ground in the final stretch. McDermott and Allen are well aware of the increased intensity at this point of the season. Every roster adjustment, including elevating Latu, is part of a broader strategy to optimize the team’s chances of reaching and advancing in the playoffs. The Bills are seeking to avoid a repeat of past disappointments in the AFC Championship, where McDermott and Allen are 0-2, including a recent loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Depth, particularly at tight end, could play a decisive role in late-season matchups. Sunday’s game against Pittsburgh represents both a measuring stick and an opportunity. Buffalo must navigate key injuries while maintaining its championship-level standards if it hopes to reclaim the top spot in the division and sustain momentum heading into the postseason.