Once it was reported that Buffalo Bills' linebacker Terrel Bernard had suffered a hamstring injury this past week during training camp per Jos Bascaglia, that should have opened the door for Tyrel Dodson to get a head start on the open linebacker competition that the two have been involved in since the start of training camp.
The two linebackers led the pack during the position battle throughout camp and Dodson had a golden opportunity to prove why he should be the starting linebacker next to Matt Milano. During the Bills' 23-19 preseason victory over the Indianapolis Colts, Dodson did not impress whatsoever and there were plays where he was blown up by blockers. He ended his game with only two total tackles.
This was not the kind of performance that Bills fans were hoping for from Dodson, seeing as how he was in control of this linebacker competition between him and Bernard. Head coach Sean McDermott commented on Bernard's injury status, saying how that they will not know how long the injury will be for Bernard moving forward, according to Maddy Glab. With the uncertainty of Bernard's injury, this could give Dodson an extra week to improve off of this performace.
Competition to replace Tremaine Edmunds will likely go at least one more week for the Buffalo Bills
While Dodson did not shine in the preseason opener, the Bills defense had a great game and an even better first half in which they did not allow a single score until there were three seconds left in the first half.
With it being the first preseason game, there should be no reason to overreact to Dodson's disappointing performance but it should be a concern moving forward that a competition may continue between him and Bernard. If Bernard is not able to heal quickly for the next preseason game or two, the Bills may have to stick with Dodson moving forward.
The Bills are set to hit the road next week to take on the Pittsburgh Steelers and the linebacker competition should continue on.