Key Bills' offensive weapon inactive vs. Jaguars, makes way for Frank Gore Jr. debut

The Buffalo Bills are without their third-down running back for Sunday's playoff opener in Jacksonville

Jan 4, 2026; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills running back Ty Johnson (26) carries the ball defended by New York Jets cornerback Tre Brown (30) during the third quarter at Highmark Stadium | Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

It didn't look good when Buffalo Bills' running back Ty Johnson was shown wearing a protective walking boot while entering the EverBank Stadium on Sunday morning.

Initially as questionable to dress for the January 11 wild-card round road game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Johnson is one of the Bills' seven inactives that were announced 90 minutes prior to the 1:05 p.m. kickoff.

Johnson's absence makes way for Frank Gore Jr. to make his NFL debut in a playoff game. Buffalo elevated Gore and linebacker Baylon Spector from the practice squad on Saturday. Both players are active.

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As expected, linebacker Terrel Bernard and first-round rookie cornerback Maxwell Hairston are inactive for the postseason opener due to injuries.

Veteran defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi headlines a quartet of healthy scratches. Offensive tackle Tylan Grable, safety Darnell Savage and fourth tight end Keleki Latu round out the list of inactives.

Jan 4, 2026; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (99) tackles New York Jets wide receiver Isaiah Williams (18) during the third quarter | Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

Johnson injury fallout

After banging up his ankle early during the regular season finale, Johnson finished the game, but subsequently landed on the official injury report as a non-participant. He improved to limited at Friday's practice, but was unable to recover fast enough.

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Johnson, who scored two touchdowns in last week's win, has handled third-down duties for Buffalo throughout the season. While Gore, who was the Bills' leading rusher during the preseason, is available, the expectation is for Ray Davis carry most of the load behind starting running back James Cook.

Jan 4, 2026; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills running back Ray Davis (22) carries the ball defended by New York Jets linebacker Jamien Sherwood (44) | Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

Bills' Gameday Inactives (Wild Card)

LB Terrel Bernard

OT Tylan Grable

CB Maxwell Hairston

RB Ty Johnson

TE Keleki Latu

DT Larry Ogunjobi

S Darnell Savage

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