Bills' troubling Week 16 injury report includes three new additions, two downgrades

The Buffalo Bills are still without a top pass-catcher, and they made three more additions to the injury report on Thursday

Dec 7, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid (86) runs with the ball in the third quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at Highmark Stadium | Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

Starting tight end Dalton Kincaid missed practice for the second day in a row, and that wasn't the only bad news on the Buffalo Bills' updated Week 16 injury report.

Defensive starters DaQuan Jones and Taron Johnson went from full participation in Wednesday's walkthrough to limited on Thursday.

Popping up as new additions, punter Mitch Wishnowsky, nickel cornerback Cam Lewis and sixth-round rookie offensive lineman Chase Lundt all practiced in a limited capacity on Thursday. More often than not in these instances, the player's injury emerged during practice.

MORE: Bills pick Matt Prater's temporary replacement, sign journeyman after tryout

As Buffalo prepares to visit the Cleveland Browns for a 1 p.m. ET kickoff on December 21, the most troubling of the new additions is Wishnowsky, who is the third different punter that the Bills have used this season. With kicker Matt Prater unavailable in Week 16 due to a calf issue, Buffalo cannot afford to find a spot for a second punter.

Nov 20, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Buffalo Bills punter Mitch Wishnowsky (19) punts against the Houston Texans in the first quarter at NRG Stadium. | Thomas Shea-Imagn Images

Starting left tackle Dion Dawkins and rotational defensive tackle Jordan Phillips were both absent for the second day in a row. Dawkins if dealing with an illness while Phillips isn't expected to play this week due to an ankle.

What we know about Kincaid

The good news is the Bills' tight end is no longer dealing with the November 9 hamstring injury that sidelined him for three games. Unfortunately, the knee issue that bothered him during training camp has reemerged.

Kincaid missed practice for the second day in a row despite Bills' head coach Sean McDermott not mentioning the tight end amongst those expected to be unavailable.

RELATED: Bills' starting TE has good reason for practice absence

The Athletic's Joe Buscaglia reported seeing Kincaid working in the weight room at One Bills Drive on Thursday.

Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid (86) looks for a flag after Cincinnati Bengals safety Jordan Battle (27) breaks up a pass on Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025. The Bills overcame a halftime deficit to win 39-34. | Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

LB returns to full, CB remains limited

Out since injuring his right elbow against the Houston Texans on November 20, starting linebacker Terrel Bernard returned to full participation on Thursday.

MORE: Sean McDermott explains 'big challenge' Shedeur Sanders presents to Bills

Meanwhile, starting cornerback Christian Benford, who missed the December 14 win because of a toe injury, practiced on a limited basis for the second straight day. Injured last Thursday during practice, Benford appears to have avoided anything serious.

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 16)

THURSDAY
LT Dion Dawkins (illness) — DNP

TE Dalton Kincaid (knee) — DNP

DT Jordan Phillips (ankle) — DNP

K Matt Prater (calf) — DNP

CB Christian Benford (toe) — Limited

CB Taron Johnson (quad) — Limited

DT DaQuan Jones (calf) — Limited

DB Cam Lewis (hamstring) — Limited

OL Chase Lundt (knee) — Limited

P Mitch Wishnowsky (right knee) — Limited

LB Terrel Bernard (elbow) — Full

WR Mecole Hardman (calf) — Full (IR)

WEDNESDAY
LT Dion Dawkins (illness) — DNP

TE Dalton Kincaid (knee) — DNP

DT Jordan Phillips (ankle) — DNP

K Matt Prater (calf) — DNP

CB Christian Benford (toe) — Limited

LB Terrel Bernard (elbow) — Limited

WR Mecole Hardman (calf) — Limited (IR)

CB Taron Johnson (quad) — Full

DT DaQuan Jones (calf) — Full

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