Bills Seek Reset as Injuries Mount Ahead of Week 13 vs. Steelers

The Buffalo Bills enter Week 13 searching for stability after an uneven stretch, but their offense will be tested again as two key pass-catchers are unavailable. Tight end Dalton Kincaid and wide receiver Joshua Palmer have both been ruled out, removing two of Josh Allen’s most reliable options. Their absences come at a moment when Buffalo is trying to re-establish momentum and keep pace in a tightening playoff race.

The injuries also spotlight a young target still trying to find his footing. Wide receiver Keon Coleman, who spent the last two weeks inactive after missing a team meeting, has returned to the gameday roster. His reinstatement wasn’t guaranteed, but the Bills are hoping the time away provided clarity and motivation.

Coleman’s path back onto the field comes with heightened expectations. Buffalo needs immediate production to offset the loss of Kincaid’s red-zone presence and Palmer’s steady chain-moving ability. The Bills offense, which has leaned on versatility and depth, suddenly finds itself thin at multiple positions.

As the Bills prepare for the Steelers, the question becomes how effectively Coleman can seize a larger role—and whether his return injects the spark Buffalo has lacked in recent weeks.

1. Key Absences Shift Offensive Outlook

Buffalo confirmed ahead of Sunday that Dalton Kincaid’s hamstring injury and Joshua Palmer’s ankle issue would keep both players off the field. Their combined production has been essential, particularly as Buffalo has navigated shifting roles and evolving offensive identity. Losing two contributors who have consistently earned targets forces the coaching staff to pivot. Kincaid’s impact has extended beyond simple stat lines. With 29 receptions, 448 yards, and four touchdowns, he has been a matchup weapon, stretching defenses and improving Allen’s efficiency in the middle of the field. His absence removes a security blanket during high-leverage downs and inside the red zone. Palmer, meanwhile, has added dependable possession receiving since joining the Bills, collecting 272 yards on 18 catches. Though he has yet to score, his ability to create spacing and win intermediate routes has been valuable in keeping drives alive. Without him, Buffalo must rely more heavily on inexperienced depth pieces. These setbacks magnify the importance of players such as Coleman stepping into expanded roles. The Steelers defense, known for its pressure packages and physical secondary, will not make that transition easy.

2. Coleman’s Return After Two-Week Bench Stint

Coleman’s reactivation comes at a critical time after he spent Week 11 as a healthy scratch for missing a team meeting and remained inactive again in Week 12. The Bills’ handling of the situation suggested a desire to reinforce accountability, even for a player with notable upside. The two-week absence was a clear message—playing time must be earned, not assumed. Buffalo has made discipline a priority under its current coaching staff, particularly with a young roster in flux. Coleman’s response to the benching could determine how firmly he factors into long-term plans. Despite the setback, Coleman has shown incremental progress this season. In nine games, he has produced 32 receptions for 330 yards and three touchdowns, already surpassing his rookie-year catch total. His size and physical tools remain intriguing, and Buffalo hopes consistency will follow. Now, with the Bills short-handed, Coleman returns not only with opportunity but obligation. His ability to reestablish trust quickly may influence how coaches deploy him in high-pressure moments.

3. High Expectations in a Must-Perform Spot

As Buffalo faces Pittsburgh, Coleman will be asked to expand his role within the offense. The coaching staff is likely to test his reliability early, whether through quick-hit concepts, intermediate routes, or contested-catch situations where his frame can be an advantage. The Bills are not seeking perfection from Coleman—just steadiness. With defenses expected to key on Stefon Diggs and the run game inconsistent, Buffalo needs a secondary receiving option who can command attention and convert high-value opportunities. Coleman’s production could help dictate how aggressive the Bills feel comfortable being. For Coleman, Week 13 presents a chance to create momentum in a season that has lacked continuity. A strong showing could shift his narrative from discipline concerns to emerging contributor, especially as injuries force the team to re-evaluate rotation priorities. But the stakes are real. A quiet or mistake-filled performance could raise questions about his readiness and long-term role, especially for a Bills team striving to maintain stability late in the season.