Many Bills players are performing at a high level heading into the final three games of the regular season. Every NFL team has injuries at this point and some may cost particular teams a shot at glory. The Detroit Lions lost running back David Montgomery after their Week 15 loss to the Bills.
The Kansas City Chiefs have lost wide receivers at various points this year. Having so many similar players at the position allowed them to mask the injuries. Injuries decimated the San Francisco 49ers and Lions throughout 2024.
If a team is 100% healthy at this point in the NFL season, they’re either extremely lucky or not playing hard. Buffalo wrapped up the AFC East by Thanksgiving but is still fighting for the top seed in the AFC. It may not be attainable if the Chiefs only lose one more game.
Head coach Sean McDermott should start planning for the playoffs regardless of his team’s current position. Resting some key players against a lesser opponent like the New England Patriots could preserve some stability for when the team needs it the most.
Three Bills Players Who Should Be Rested Against the New England Patriots
Treading Carefully With An Oft-Injured Star
Matt Milano missed 12 games in 2023 and injured his biceps over the summer. He missed the first 10 games of the 2024 season before returning on December 1st against the 49ers. Milano didn’t set the world on fire but still recorded five tackles.
He played the next two games against the Los Angeles Rams and Lions but left Week 15 with a groin injury. Even though Milano suited up for the last three games, he still needs to wear a bulky brace on his arm. It’s great having him back in the linebacking corps with Terrel Bernard. McDermott should still rest the former Boston College Eagle against New England.
A total team win.#GoBills | #BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/M7YFCMEYcL
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) December 16, 2024
The Patriots may put up a fight for part of the game but Buffalo shouldn’t have a problem dominating the 3-11 team. One extra week of rest should help both of Milano’s issues even if he is cleared for action. The Chiefs will likely get the top seed and the all-important bye week that goes with it.
That’s why calculated moves before the postseason even begin could pay off later. Baylon Spector (knee) and Dorian Williams (elbow) are also questionable but can return to a backup role next week after playing more snaps in Week 16.
An Injury-Riddled Defensive Unit
Cornerback Rasul Douglas (knee) and safeties Damar Hamlin (rib) and Taylor Rapp (neck) were all limited in practice. All three will likely carry a questionable designation against the Patriots. The secondary has been shredded over the last two weeks against the Rams and Lions.
Against Los Angeles, Buffalo ceded 320 yards, 15 passes for first down, and 10.7 yards per pass to Matthew Stafford. Despite beating the Lions, the defense allowed 470 yards through the air to Jared Goff. A lot of that production was due to Buffalo jumping ahead at the half and never looking back.
The fact that Detroit was still able to make it close and essentially score at will to keep pace meant that the secondary badly needed a break after two offensive outbursts. Douglas missed the game against Detroit and is still dealing with a nagging injury.
Backing Up The Leading Bills Players
Sitting Douglas out against New England will give backups meaningful reps for one game while also allowing Douglas to approach 100%.
Feeling more comfortable every week.@Cole_Bishop_8 breaks down his rookie season: https://t.co/I9Es2bmaxC@TimHortonsUS | #BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/u92cOs6PlN
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) December 19, 2024
Rookie safety Cole Bishop can get meaningful reps that could help in the playoffs against more formidable offenses. Ja’Marcus Ingram has two interceptions, returning one for a touchdown in limited action this year.
Rapp has stepped up big for the Bills defense this year with 75 tackles, two interceptions, six pass defenses, and a forced fumble. Having a neck injury, no matter how severe, is never something to be taken lightly. Regardless of the severity, McDermott should rest Rapp this week. Let him heal as well so he’s ready for the stretch run.
McDermott could opt for giving starting running back James Cook a week off but it’s less likely. He’s healthy and productive despite having two of the better backups in rookie Ray Davis and Ty Johnson. Regardless of whether they can play, Buffalo should strongly consider saving Milano, Douglas, and Rapp for the stretch run over the next three weeks.
Main Photo: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
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