Josh Allen's foot injury, innumerable illnesses, countless knees and hamstrings; All the Bills need now is a partridge in a pear tree, and they're set. Their Week 17 bout with the Philadelphia Eagles left them battered and beaten, but Week 18 is here and there is still something worth playing for. As the Bills prep for the Jets, the injury report is littered with names we'd rather not see.
The Friday injury report for Week 18 has arrived- It reads like a laundry list, but don't panic. Let's break it down.
Bills' Week 18 injury report vs. Jets per the Bills' PR X account
QB Josh Allen - Foot
Game Status: AVAILABLE
When Josh Allen played against the Eagles on Sunday last week, he injured his foot for the second consecutive game. It was no wonder that QB1 didn't participate in practice until Friday, where he was limited. With the playoffs only a week away, the Bills' approach to injury management shifts.
The injury itself isn't severe, but the potential problems it could cause if unrested and untreated are immense. Though Allen will play, and the injury has been labelled minor since Monday, it is definitely worth keeping an eye on- maybe both eyes.
LB Terrel Bernard - Calf
Game Status: OUT
Bernard's calf injury is just one of many this season, as he overtakes Matt Milano's title of 'Most Injured Bill'. He was ruled out early this week, though we don't know if it's as a precaution for the playoffs or a notable injury.
DE Joey Bosa - Hamstring
Game Status: QUESTIONABLE
Joey Bosa has been electric all season, but his hamstring injury may slow him down if not handled with caution. He didn't participate in practice on Friday despite being active against the Eagles in Week 17. With no update, we have to assume it's just rest for the playoffs. For Sunday's season-closer, Bosa is officially questionable.
RB James Cook - Vet Rest
Game Status: AVAILABLE
With his hunt for the 2025 rushing title within reach, James Cook's vet rest is all the break he intends to take. Week 18 will be all gas, no brakes, until he has it.
DE A.J. Epenesa - Illness
Game Status: AVAILABLE
There's a sickness going around campus, it seems. A.J. Epenesa is one of several players who caught a bug; He missed Thursday's practice but is ready for gameday.
FB Reggie Gilliam - Illness
Game Status: AVAILABLE
Reggie Gilliam, the Bills' most underrated player, missed Wednesday with an illness, but returned on Thursday to fully participate. He's ready for Week 18.
OL Tylan Grable - Personal
Game Status: AVAILABLE
Tylan Grable took a personal day on Thursday, but is otherwise fine.
DT DaQuan Jones - Calf
Game Status: OUT
For the final time this regular season, DaQuan Jones has been ruled out with his injury. The setback he suffered ahead of Week 17 ended his regular season, but he will likely be back for the playoffs.
TE Dalton Kincaid - Knee
Game Status: QUESTIONABLE
Though injury management was likely the reason, Buffalo could have used Dalton Kincaid on Sunday in their close loss to the Eagles. After missing the contest, he is limited in practice, but questionable for Week 18.
TE Dawson Knox - Knee
Game Status: AVAILABLE
Dawson Knox was active last week despite his knee injury, and will be the same this week. Limited in practice, his approach is the same as all the others; Get healthy for the playoffs.
DB Cam Lewis - Hamstring
Game Status: AVAILABLE
As with every other player on the roster with some sort of malady, Cam Lewis didn't practice fully all week. His game status is fine, but the approach without a bye week is to take Week 18 lightly. Lewis has been on the report with his hamstring injury for two weeks, and has played every game. Week 18 is no different.
S Jordan Poyer - Hamstring
Game Status: OUT
Buffalo have had a lift with Cole Bishop's play this season, but having Jordan Poyer at his side has been critical. Poyer misses the second-straight week with his hamstring injury. The playoffs are a week away- Hopefully things clear up but there's no update yet.
K Matt Prater - Right Quad
Game Status: AVAILABLE
After two weeks of costly absences, where Michael Badgley nearly cost and did cost Buffalo a game, Matt Prater was a full participant all week. His return is a massive lift, as the Bills can once again kick with confidence.
DT Jordan Phillips - Ankle
Game Status: QUESTIONABLE
Jordan Phillips was limited in practice all week, but upgraded to a full participant on Friday. He's questionable for Sunday, but we're optimistic.
CB Tre'Davious White - Illness
Game Status: AVAILABLE
The last name on this list to be bit with the bug that's going around, Tre'Davious White was limited in Wednesday's practice due to his illness. Still, just like the others, he will be ready for gameday.
Injury Summary
Whatever illness is haunting the Buffalo Bills locker room isn't bad, but hopefully it doesn't roll over into next week. The team needs no new distractions as they prepare for the playoffs.
Poyer, Jones, and Bernard are all notable contributors. Missing this week is not a great sign for the playoffs, especially considering the injuries arounf them on the roster. Still, we can expect some reinforcements for the Wild Card round; The amount of reinforcements is still in the air.
Dalton Kincaid's injury management has been difficult, but the team has rested him as much as possible as the playoffs close in. Kincaid's role in this offense is bigger than many would admit; If resting him for Week 18 keeps him from missing any playoff game, sit him. If he's truly good to go, fight for a better seed.