Breaking news: The Bills receive heartbreaking news ahead of AFC championship game.
The Buffalo Bills entered the playoffs in the best possible health thanks to the return of a number of important players from injuries during the last few weeks of the season.
However, with a trip to Kansas City coming up and a Super Bowl spot at stake, the Bills’ fortunes may be shifting in their favor.
The club is in risk of losing the top member of their secondary following a very late injury during Sunday’s 27-25 triumph against the Baltimore Ravens. The setback may force the Bills to utilize a rarely used substitute against Patrick Mahomes, one of the finest passers in the league.
Bills Catch Bad Luck Late in Divisional Round
Following an injury sustained during one of the game’s last plays, Christian Benford, the team’s top cornerback, was placed into concussion protocol, Bills head coach Sean McDermott informed reporters on Monday. When the Bills recovered a late onside kick after the Ravens missed a game-winning two-point conversion, Benford took a hard hit, as News 8 reporter A.J. Feldman wrote in a post on X.
“Christian Benford, a cornerback for the Bills, was placed in the concussion protocol due to the onside kick he received,” Feldman reported. “Took a pretty good shot to the head area. Certainly celebrating less than some of his teammates afterward.”
After being selected in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, Benford rapidly established himself as a starter and had his greatest season to date in 2024. This season, Benford recorded 64 total tackles, two interceptions, and one sack, earning him a spot on the All-Pro team.
Defense-Related Bills May Face Pressure
The Bills would probably use reserve Kaiir Elam, their 2022 first-round selection, if Benford is unable to play. Elam has had a difficult season. In a victory over the New England Patriots in December, he committed two costly pass interference penalties.
“I like Kaiir Elam and several of the calls against him are questionable but he’s got to find a way to be on an NFL field without taking penalties,” noted reporter Nick Veronica in a post on X. “The flags are too much.” Elam was also a healthy scratch for several games this season, including Sunday’s win over the Ravens. McDermott told reporters earlier in the season that players need to earn their spots regardless of draft position.
Elam was not pleased with the decision, stating that he needed to put in more effort after being benched for the team’s Week 11 victory over the Chiefs. “Everything is earned,” McDermott stated, as reported by The Buffalo News. “That’s part of every decision, a big part of every decision, for most of the reasons of who is active or inactive. Everything is earned and will continue to be earned as we move forward.”
Elam remarked, “I was more disappointed than surprised.” “All I could do at the end of the day was keep working, stay prepared, and act as though I was going to go out there and be the guy.” I always had a lot of faith in myself. During training camp and OTAs, I demonstrated my abilities. Every day in practice, I go out there and compete my (butt) off. It’s just staying ready and not letting things get to you. I think that’s the biggest thing for me.”
