Josh Allen, four defensive starters miss second straight Bills' practice in Week 18

The Buffalo Bills have a tough choice on deciding how to approach the January 4 game against the New York Jets

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen runs with the ball for several yards before being tripped up by Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Jalyx Hunt during first half action against the Philadelphia Eagles at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park on Dec. 28, 2025. | Tina MacIntyre-Yee/Democrat and Chronicle / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Buffalo Bills' updated injury report did little to answer any questions about which players will suit up to face the New York Jets in the Highmark Stadium finale on January 4.

Nursing a right foot injury that he reaggravated against the Philadelphia Eagles on December 28, starting quarterback Josh Allen was a non-participant at practice on Wednesday and Thursday in Orchard Park. Four defensive starters joined him on the sideline.

With a number of key players banged up, and the playoffs fewer than 10 days away, the Bills will likely take a unique approach to the last regular season game in their stadium's history.

While the Bills may choose to rest multiple veterans against the Jets, they still value winning the game for the franchise and the fans. Meanwhile, Allen has a consecutive starts streak that he intends to keep intact, but he also recognizes the importance of being available for the postseason.

RELATED: Injured Josh Allen working to 'make sure I'm ready to go' as Bills' Week 18 plan TBD

"There is that thin line between you guys are already in the playoffs, don't want to do anything too crazy, try to get healthy. Come gameday, I'm going to ready, whether that's this week or next week. I just gotta prepare as if I'm ready to roll," said Allen on Wednesday afternoon.

Dec 28, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) runs the ball near the goal line against Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Adoree' Jackson (8) during the fourth quarter at Highmark Stadium. | Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

Four defensive starters sit

Defensive tackle DaQuan Jones, safety Jordan Poyer, defensive end Joey Bosa and linebacker Terrel Bernard were all sidelined for the second day in a row.

Bernard, who injured his calf last time out against the Eagles, is the only one of the four definitely unavailable for the Week 18 game.

MORE: Matt Prater details how Bills are unlike any other team from his 19-year career

Jones and Poyer were inactive last week against the Eagles, and the aging veterans would likely benefit from one more ready week heading into the playoffs.

The Bills seem to have Bosa on a maintenance plan of sorts. He missed one game after tweaking his hamstring on November 30, but has subsequently made three straight appearances.

Dec 21, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns tight end Harold Fannin Jr. (44) is tackled by Buffalo Bills safety Jordan Poyer (21) during the second half at Huntington Bank Field | Scott Galvin-Imagn Images

Illness hits two more

Fullback Reggie Gilliam returned to practice on Thursday after a Wednesday absence due to illness.

While Gilliam came back, two more Bills' players were affected by illness. Defensive end AJ Epenesa missed practice and cornerback Tre'Davious White was limited on Thursday.

Dec 21, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Buffalo Bills fullback Reggie Gilliam (41) reacts after a first down against the Cleveland Browns during the second half at Huntington Bank Field. | Scott Galvin-Imagn Images

Limited again

Tight end Dalton Kincaid, who missed the December 28 game, has been managing a knee injury that dates back to training camp. He has practiced on a limited basis since last Friday.

RELATED: Bills' kicking situation finally takes turn in right direction on New Year's Eve

Tight end Dawson Knox is on the injury report with a knee for the second week in a row. He's been limited at practice after playing 48 offensive snaps against the Eagles.

Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid (86) looks for a flag after Cincinnati Bengals safety Jordan Battle (27) breaks up a pass in the fourth quarter of the NFL Week 14 game | Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Bills' Injury Report (Week 18)

THURSDAY
QB Josh Allen (foot) — DNP

LB Terrel Bernard (calf) — DNP

DE Joey Bosa (hamstring) — DNP

RB James Cook (vet rest) — DNP

DE AJ Epenesa (illness) — DNP

OT Tylan Grable (personal) — DNP

DT DaQuan Jones (calf) — DNP

S Jordan Poyer (hamstring) — DNP

TE Dalton Kincaid (knee) — Limited

TE Dawson Knox (knee) — Limited

DB Cam Lewis (hamstring) — Limited

DT Jordan Phillips (ankle) — Limited

CB Tre'Davious White (illness) — Limited

FB Reggie Gilliam (illness) — Full

K Matt Prater (quad) — Full

WEDNESDAY
QB Josh Allen (foot) — DNP

LB Terrel Bernard (calf) — DNP

DE Joey Bosa (hamstring) — DNP

FB Reggie Gilliam (illness) — DNP

DT DaQuan Jones (calf) — DNP

S Jordan Poyer (hamstring) — DNP

TE Dalton Kincaid (knee) — Limited

TE Dawson Knox (knee) — Limited

DB Cam Lewis (hamstring) — Limited

DT Jordan Phillips (ankle) — Limited

K Matt Prater (quad) — Full

*Bills held a walkthrough on Wednesday, meaning player participation is an estimation

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

More Buffalo Bills News:

• Bills decline to pursue emergency QB with Josh Allen banged up in Week 18

• Spencer Brown calls out Jalen Carter's dirty play after Bills-Eagles postgame brouhaha

• Bills have seemingly given up on Keon Coleman, scratch Dalton Kincaid vs. Eagles

• Josh Allen makes strong statement promoting James Cook for major NFL award