Bills post worrisome injury report for struggling offense with Steelers on deck

The Buffalo Bills practiced without two offensive weapons and both starting tackles while also listing QB Josh Allen on the official Week 13 injury report

Oct 5, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid (86) reacts to making a catch against the New England Patriots during the first half at Highmark Stadium. | Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

The week's first injury report is a troubling one for the Buffalo Bills' offense.

Tight end Dalton Kincaid was unavailable. Wide receiver Curtis Samuel remained out. Starting tackles Spencer Brown and Dion Dawkins were also non-participants.

In what's never a welcomed sight, quarterback Josh Allen appeared on the official injury report with a right elbow issue. While the injury did not limit the reigning NFL MVP's practice participation, he was seen wearing a strip of padding over the elbow.

MORE: Bills catch break as Mike Tomlin rules out two Steelers' starters for pivotal AFC matchup

Kincaid and Samuel missed the Week 12 loss against the Houston Texans on November 20, and it's definitely concerning to see them as non-participants following the "mini bye." The former has been nursing a strained hamstring since November 9 while the latter has been nicked up in the elbow, knee and neck.

Trouble for both tackles

Forced out of the Thursday Night Football setback in Houston due to a shoulder injury, it seemed likely Brown was headed for a multi-week absence. The surprise is with Dawkins, who cleared concussion evaluation during the Thursday game before symptoms emerged afterwards.

"The next day is when I first heard of it. He was cleared during the game, then afterwards, I got wind of it the next day," said McDermott.

MORE: Bills open backup's activation window after RT Spencer Brown injures shoulder

With Dawkins in the concussion protocol, the Bills are in danger of missing both starting tackles against the Pittsburgh Steelers on November 30.

Ryan Van Demark, who finished out the Week 12 game for Brown, will likely earn his second start of the season. It's also possible that Tylan Grable will come directly off Injured Reserve and into the starting lineup at the other tackle spot. He was a full participant on Wednesday.

Jan 26, 2025; Kansas City, MO, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) and offensive tackle Spencer Brown (79) against the Kansas City Chiefs during the AFC Championship Game | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Maxwell Hairston's progress in protocol

The Bills' first-round rookie cornerback left the Week 12 loss due to a head injury, landing in concussion protocol heading into the "mini bye."

Due to the fact he was a limited participant at practice, it appears that Hairston has completed at least three stages in the five-step return-to-play process mandated by the NFL.

Buffalo Bills cornerback Maxwell Hairston makes an interception catching the ball meant for Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy during second half action against the Kansas City Chiefs at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park on Nov. 2, 2025. | Tina MacIntyre-Yee/Democrat and Chronicle / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Terrel Bernard remains on shelf

Bernard suffered an elbow injury last time out against the Houston Texans. He went off to the locker room and eventually returned to the sideline with his right arm in a sling.

Although it's unlikely he'll be available on November 30 against the Steelers, Bernard may have avoided a long-term injury.

Nov 20, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Buffalo Bills linebacker Terrel Bernard (8) and linebacker Matt Milano (58) attempt to tackle Houston Texans running back Nick Chubb (21) during the game at NRG Stadium. | Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Bills' Injury Report (Week 13)

WEDNESDAY

LB Terrel Bernard (right elbow) — DNP

OL Spencer Brown (shoulder) — DNP

OL Dion Dawkins (concussion) — DNP

DT DaQuan Jones (illness) — DNP

TE Dalton Kincaid (hamstring) — DNP

WR Curtis Samuel (elbow/knee) — DNP

CB Maxwell Hairston (concussion) — Limited

DT Phidarian Mathis (shoulder) — Limited

WR Joshua Palmer (ankle) — Limited

QB Josh Allen (right elbow) — Full

DE Joey Bosa (wrist) — Full

FB Reggie Gilliam (knee) — Full

OL Tylan Grable (concussion) — Full

— Sign up for OnSI’s Free Buffalo Bills Newsletter —

More Buffalo Bills News:

• Josh Allen explains immediate impact Brandin Cooks can make on Bills' offense

• Ex-Bills' personnel director says 'just cut Keon Coleman'

• What ever happened to injured NFL referee forced to leave Bills' TNF loss to Texans?

• Is Josh Allen amongst seven current Bills' players in Hallmark movie cast?