Buffalo Bills vs. Kansas City Chiefs inactives: Christian Benford update

It's finally gameday, as the Buffalo Bills visit the Kansas City Chiefs for the AFC Championship. A trip to Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans is on the line, and there's no greater matchup than this. The two sides are largely healthy heading into the game, but we'll review both teams injuries regardless. That, alongside today's inactive players lists, can be found right here.

Injury Report Breakdowns

The Bills suffered some minor dings against the Baltimore Ravens last week, but enter this game against the Chiefs as healthy as they've ever been in the postseason. Kansas City, on the same hand, have as clean a report as one can imagine. Let's dive into this shallow pool, headfirst.

Buffalo Bills

Six players were on injury watch this week for the Buffalo Bills. Left tackle Dion Dawkins opened the week with a day missed for an illness, but was a full-go every other day and has no gameday designation. He will start.

Starting safety Taylor Rapp suffered a hip injury against the Baltimore Ravens, and did not return to the game. He was carted off for x-rays, but initial reports were that he suffered no major injury. Still, he was unable to practice at all this week and was the only player in this matchup declared OUT by Friday's reports.

All-Pro linebacker Matt Milano, who missed the first game against the Kansas City Chiefs this season, suffered some hamstring tightness to start the week. His previous bicep injury was also treated, but shouldn't affect his play. The team may be careful with his hamstring as it's the sort of injury that has a high probability of reaggravation, but he has not been given in injury designation for the game. He will play today.

Linebacker Baylon Spector has been on the injured reserve for a good portion of the season. His three-week return to play window was activated, but with a largely healthy LB core it's an unlikely elevation. Still, he could return for a potential Super Bowl LIX appearance, if fortune favours the Bills. Officially, he was declared OUT on Saturday afternoon.

Another pivotal piece of the Buffalo Bills defense, Taron Johnson suffered a minor injury that kept him from practicing fully midweek. Still, he is good to go with no injury designation for gameday. Expect no limitations.

The lone question mark heading into the game, Christian Benford has been one of the NFL's best zone cornerbacks this season. He entered the NFL's concussion protocol after a hit to the side of the head on the Ravens' onside kick attempt to end the game. He's shown encouraging progress, and has been out practicing in a limited fashion. He was given a permitted absence on the final day of practice this week for a 'personal reason', which leaves many guessing about his gameday status. Still, he traveled with the team. Officially, he will be active on gameday.

Kansas City Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs have no injury designations for the game, but we'll review their report nonetheless.

All players were full practice participants for the entire week in KC. Four players did receive treatments, however. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes has his previously-injured ankle looked at. Right tackle Jawaan Taylor had his knee injury treated, and fellow lineman Mike Caliendo had his shoulder treated also. Lastly, cornerback Jaylen Watson had his ankle treated as well.

Gameday Inactives

Buffalo Bills

The Buffalo Bills elevated S Kareem Jackson and OL Will Clapp from the practice squad. The inactives list is as follows:

- QB Mike White (3rd QB)

- DT Quinton Jefferson

- OL Ryan Van Demark

- OL Sedrick Van Pran-Granger

- DT DeWayne Carter

- S Taylor Rapp

- KR/PR Brandon Codrington

Kansas City Chiefs

Wide receiver Justyn Ross was elevated from the practice squad for the Kansas City Chiefs on Saturday, but is not active tonight.

- WR Justyn Ross

- CB Keith Taylor

- DE Josh Uche

- OL C.J. Hanson

- OL Wanya Morris

- T Ethan Driskell

- DE Malik Herring

More Bills coverage and analysis: