Bills’ Defensive Line Takes a Hit Ahead of Bengals Showdown

The Buffalo Bills face significant challenges ahead of their Week 14 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals on December 7, 2023. Defensive end AJ Epenesa has been added to the injury report, raising concerns about his availability for the game. After participating in a walk-through session on Wednesday, Epenesa did not practice on Thursday due to a foot issue. This development follows the announcement that Michael Hoecht has been placed on season-ending Injured Reserve, while Joey Bosa remains sidelined with a hamstring injury sustained during the Bills’ victory on November 30.

Epenesa’s sudden injury complicates matters for the Bills, who rely heavily on their defensive line. With both Epenesa and Bosa out, the team may need to turn to their practice squad for additional support. Currently, only four defensive ends are on the Bills’ 53-man roster, prompting speculation that practice squad elevations will be focused on this position for the upcoming game.

In addition to Epenesa and Bosa, wide receiver Joshua Palmer and linebacker Terrel Bernard also did not participate in Thursday’s practice. Palmer has been dealing with lingering ankle and knee injuries since suffering them against the Atlanta Falcons on October 13. Bernard, meanwhile, is recovering from an elbow injury sustained during a tackle against the Houston Texans on November 20. All four players are considered unlikely to participate against the Bengals.

The Bills may have to rely on backup defenders Greg Rousseau and Javon Solomon in light of these absences. Last week, the team signed former first-round draft pick Shaq Lawson to their reserve unit and re-added Andre Jones this week, positioning them as potential reinforcements. Veteran Morgan Fox, who recently joined the practice squad, is also expected to be activated for the game.

Despite the injury setbacks, starting tackles Dion Dawkins and Spencer Brown returned to practice on a limited basis. Dawkins has been navigating concussion protocol after experiencing delayed symptoms following the November 20 game. His ability to address the media on Wednesday suggests he has made progress, as players in concussion protocol are typically restricted from speaking publicly. “Going through protocol, protocol is a tough journey,” Dawkins noted. “I enjoy going through obstacles of life.” Meanwhile, Brown is contending with a shoulder injury sustained in the same game against the Texans.

The tight end position also appears to be in flux, with two of the three active tight ends listed on the injury report. Dalton Kincaid continues to recover from a hamstring injury that kept him out of the November 9 loss to the Miami Dolphins, and he now faces additional complications from a knee issue. Kincaid was seen wearing a brace during practice, raising further questions about his readiness for Sunday’s game.

Fifth-round rookie Jackson Hawes, who has participated in 44 percent of offensive snaps this season, also appeared on the injury report with a back issue but has been a full participant in practice.

As the Bills prepare for this crucial game against the Bengals, the impact of these injuries will be a focal point for both the team’s strategy and fan expectations. With the roster facing potential gaps, the coaching staff will need to make crucial decisions leading up to kickoff.