Bills Navigate Mounting Injuries and Internal Tension Ahead of Key Showdown With Bengals

The Buffalo Bills enter Week 14 with an 8–4 record and clear ambitions of solidifying their postseason position. With a high-stakes matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals looming, the team finds itself balancing on-field preparation with an increasingly crowded injury list. The timing is far from ideal, as Buffalo looks to maintain momentum during one of its most important stretches of the season.

Several key contributors are set to miss practice this week, raising questions about their availability for Sunday’s game. Edge rusher Joey Bosa headlines the group after suffering a hamstring injury late in last week’s contest against Pittsburgh. His absence, even in practice settings, is significant for a defense already dealing with long-term attrition.

Buffalo’s offense is also feeling the strain. Wide receiver Joshua Palmer and linebacker Terrel Bernard will join Bosa on the sidelines, while multiple starters are expected to be limited as the team cautiously manages injuries. Tackles Dion Dawkins and Spencer Brown, along with tight end Dalton Kincaid, all fall into that category as the Bills try to balance recovery with Week 14 readiness.

Adding to the complexity is an internal storyline involving rookie receiver Keon Coleman, whose recent absences from team meetings resulted in a brief benching. Though the Bills remain committed to his development, the situation underscores the challenges facing a team trying to maintain discipline and focus during a critical part of the season.

1. Key Injuries Cloud Week 14 Preparation

Bosa’s injury is among the most concerning developments for Buffalo, particularly given the defensive line’s existing depth issues. The former Pro Bowler exited late against the Steelers with a hamstring issue, and early indications suggest he will be held out of multiple sessions this week. His status will likely come down to how he responds to treatment ahead of Thursday and Friday’s practices. The Bills will also be without Palmer and Bernard, two contributors who have steadily carved out roles throughout the season. Their inability to practice Wednesday further complicates the team’s preparation as it looks to tighten its game plan for Cincinnati’s versatile offense. Several key players are expected to participate on a limited basis. Brown, Dawkins, and Kincaid will take part in portions of Wednesday’s activities, though Dawkins’ placement in concussion protocol remains a major concern. Without clearance, the veteran left tackle could be in jeopardy of missing Sunday’s matchup, leaving the Bills with significant adjustments to make along the offensive line. Beyond the weekly injury report, Buffalo must also contend with long-term losses. Taylor Rapp, Damar Hamlin, Ed Oliver, and Michael Hoecht are among the defenders already on injured reserve, forcing the Bills to rely heavily on rotational depth and new contributors as the season reaches its physical peak.

2. Internal Discipline Issue Creates Added Distraction

While injuries have dominated headlines, the Bills are also managing internal friction highlighted by the recent benching of rookie wideout Keon Coleman. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Coleman missed multiple team meetings in recent weeks, raising concerns within the organization about his professionalism and consistency. Despite the missteps, the Bills remain committed to their young receiver. A team source emphasized that Coleman remains firmly in their plans and that the issue was more about accountability than long-term repercussions. His reinstatement last week, when he logged 33 snaps, reflects the team’s belief in his value despite recent frustration. Coleman’s absence during a critical part of the season, however, has been felt. Buffalo’s offense has relied heavily on its receiving depth, and the rookie’s versatility and playmaking ability provide an added dimension that has been difficult to replace in spurts. With the postseason race tightening, reestablishing his presence could prove essential. The Bills’ coaching staff hopes Coleman will use this episode as a turning point, particularly as Buffalo prepares for a high-pressure stretch. A more focused and engaged approach from the rookie could help the offense regain rhythm at a moment when every snap carries weight.

3. Buffalo Enters Pivotal Stretch Amid Adversity

The upcoming matchup against the Bengals represents one of the Bills’ most important regular-season contests. Cincinnati remains a dangerous opponent with playoff implications of its own, and any misstep could shift the AFC playoff picture considerably. Buffalo’s ability to navigate its personnel uncertainty will be crucial in determining how effectively it executes on Sunday. The offensive line remains a focal point of concern, especially if Dawkins is unavailable. Protecting the quarterback and maintaining balance in the run game will be essential against a Bengals defense capable of generating pressure from multiple fronts. Limited practice reps could challenge the unit’s cohesion in the days leading up to the matchup. Defensively, the Bills will need to compensate for injuries while maintaining discipline against a Cincinnati offense that can strike from anywhere on the field. Whether Bosa is available may significantly impact Buffalo’s ability to generate consistent pass rush, making his recovery timeline a key storyline heading into the weekend. Despite the hurdles, the Bills remain positioned to secure a playoff berth with a strong finish. Their response to this week’s injuries, internal issues, and high-pressure matchup will determine whether Buffalo can push toward the postseason with confidence or find itself scrambling as the margins tighten.