Improvements for Dalton Kincaid, Maxwell Hairston help soften Bills' bad injury news

The Buffalo Bills could be down two starting tackles, two starting receivers and more when they visit the Pittsburgh Steelers on November 30

Nov 16, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills offensive tackle Dion Dawkins (73) warms up prior to the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Highmark Stadium | Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

At least there was some key improvement on the Buffalo Bills' Week 13 injury report.

Tight end Dalton Kincaid and rookie cornerback Maxwell Hairston both accounted for upgrades on Thursday in Orchard Park.

Unfortunately, the good news stops there for the Bills, who will likely be without both starting offensive tackles against the Pittsburgh Steelers on November 30.

While right tackle Spencer Brown is dealing with a right shoulder injury that could cost him multiple weeks, left tackle Dion Dawkins remains in concussion protocol. Both players missed practice for the second day in a row.

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

After being cleared to return during the November 20 loss to the Houston Texans, Dawkins finished the game, only to experience delayed symptoms that landed him on the injury report.

Sep 18, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills offensive tackle Spencer Brown (79) blocks Miami Dolphins linebacker Jordyn Brooks (20) in the first quarter | Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

The fact that Dawkins has yet to practice, in even a limited capacity, suggests the bookend remains stuck in the earlier stages of concussion protocol. With each day that passes, it's becomes increasingly unlikely that he'll be available on Sunday.

Like Brown and Dawkins, linebacker Terrel Bernard suffered an injury last time out and has not yet returned to practice. The hope is for Bernard's right elbow issue to clear up within a couple of weeks.

RELATED: Bills adding Josh Allen to injury report reason to worry about availability?

In another unfortunate development, wide receiver Joshua Palmer is back on the sideline due to an ankle problem. It's unknown if the issue is related to the ankle/knee injury that occurred when the wide receiver was tackled in the October 14 loss to the Atlanta Falcons.

Oct 13, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Buffalo Bills wide receiver Josh Palmer (5) is tackled by. Atlanta Falcons cornerback Dee Alford (20) during the first half of a game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. | Brett Davis-Imagn Images

After missing three games, Palmer returned to the lineup on November 16 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He played 50 percent of offensive snaps against the Texans four days later. Palmer showed up as limited on Wednesday's injury report following the Bills' "mini bye," suggesting the possibility that he aggravated his he issue during practice. On Thursday, he was downgraded to non-participant.

Hope for Kincaid

Arguably the Bills' top pass-catching weapon, Kincaid has been out since pulling his hamstring during the Week 10 loss to the Miami Dolphins on November 9. He was a limited participant on Thursday for the first time since the injury.

Nov 2, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid (86) runs with the ball in the second half against the Kansas City Chiefs | Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

"We'll see. There's a chance," said Bills' head coach Sean McDermott about Kincaid's potential availability.

RELATED: Bills' limited options to fill Elijah Moore's roster spot prior to facing Steelers

It wouldn't be surprising to see Kincaid play at less than 100 percent health due to his importance to the offense and the magnitude of the games at this point in the season.

Hairston progresses thru protocol

In what was a brutal night for Bills' injuries, Hairston was forced out of the November 20 loss due to a head injury. The first-round rookie has been in concussion protocol since, but it appears that he's steadily progressed.

Starting the week as a limited participant, Hairston practiced in full on Thursday, which shows he's in the final stage of concussion protocol. All signs point toward availability against the Steelers.

Nov 9, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) makes a touchdown catch against Buffalo Bills cornerback Maxwell Hairston (31) during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium | Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Bills' Injury Report (Week 13)

THURSDAY

LB Terrel Bernard (right elbow) — DNP

OL Spencer Brown (shoulder) — DNP

OL Dion Dawkins (concussion) — DNP

WR Joshua Palmer (ankle) — DNP

WR Curtis Samuel (elbow/knee) — DNP

TE Dalton Kincaid (hamstring) — Limited

DT Phidarian Mathis (shoulder) — Limited

QB Josh Allen (right elbow) — Full

DE Joey Bosa (wrist) — Full

FB Reggie Gilliam (knee) — Full

OL Tylan Grable (concussion) — Full

CB Maxwell Hairston (concussion) — Full

DT DaQuan Jones (illness) — Full

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:

• Elijah Moore reportedly critical of role in Bills' offense prior to being released

• 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?