Bills Announce Three Major Injury Updates Ahead of Chiefs Showdown
By Jovan Alford
The No. 1 seed Kansas City Chiefs will welcome the No. 2 seed Buffalo Bills to GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday for the AFC Championship game. The Bills are looking to go to the Super Bowl for the first time since 1994.
Meanwhile, the Chiefs are trying to reach their third consecutive Super Bowl and complete the three-peat, which would cement themselves as a dynasty in the NFL. However, it won’t be easy for Kansas City as the Bills got the better of them in the regular season, winning 30-21 in Week 11.
Heading into Sunday night’s championship game, the Chiefs are relatively healthy, which is a good sign after a physical game against the Houston Texans. However, the Bills are dealing with a few injuries on defense, which could impact Kansas City’s offense.
Chiefs News: Bills’ Defense Dealing With Injuries Ahead of AFC Title Game
According to Cameron Wolfe of the NFL Network, Bills head coach Sean McDermott said on Wednesday that safety Taylor Rapp won’t practice today because of a hip injury, and cornerback Christian Benford is still in concussion protocol but will be limited in practice.
Bills injury updates from HC Sean McDermott:
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) January 22, 2025
- Safety Taylor Rapp (hip) won’t practice today, day-to-day
- CB Christian Benford remains in concussion protocol, but will be limited in practice. Key progress.
- LB Matt Milano will be limited in practice with hamstring soreness.
Lastly, veteran linebacker Matt Milano will be limited in practice with hamstring soreness. The Milano injury doesn't look serious, but the injuries to Rapp and Benford are notable leading into the game.
All three players played a significant role in the Bills’ win over the Baltimore Ravens, including Rapp who had an interception. Milano didn’t play in the first meeting between the Chiefs and Bills, but he’s one of their better defenders in the back seven.
Meanwhile, Benford being in the league’s concussion protocol is huge news as he played well in last week’s game against the Ravens. However, in the first meeting against the Chiefs, Benford allowed four targets on six completions but only for 18 yards.
If Benford doesn’t clear the protocol, the Bills’ next best option is Kaiir Elam, who has a 104.9 pass rating allowed when targeted but only gave up one receiving touchdown this season.
With that being said, the key for Kansas City’s offense in this game will be getting the passing attack going.
Last week, Patrick Mahomes had no problem getting the ball to Travis Kelce (seven receptions for 117 yards and a touchdown) and Xavier Worthy (five receptions for 45 yards). But the rest of the Chiefs’ pass catchers left much to be desired and must play better on Sunday.
More Chiefs news and analysis:
feed