Bills scratch starting CB, pull surprising WR switch with division on line vs. Pats

The Buffalo Bills will be without CB Christian Benford while wide receiver Josh Palmer makes his return against the New England Patriots

Buffalo Bills cornerback Christian Benford tackles Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Hollywood Brown stopping him short of the end zone during first 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

The Buffalo Bills are facing the NFL's second-ranked passing attack without the services of their No. 1 cornerback.

As feared when he injured his toe during Thursday's practice, starter Christian Benford is inactive for the December 14 road game against the New England Patriots.

The Bills also scratched injured linebacker Terrel Bernard, who, like Benford, carried a questionable tag into Sunday.

MORE: SI game prediction doubts Josh Allen's ability to push Bills past Patriots in Week 15

While wide receiver Joshua Palmer returns to game action after a two-game absence, the Bills chose not to dress wide receiver Gabe Davis. In all, Buffalo made five healthy scratches with safety Darnell Savage, defensive tackle Phidarian Mathis, offensive tackle Tylan Grable and rookie offensive lineman Chase Lundt joining Davis on the Week 15 inactives list.

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

Missing Benford vs. Patriots

Although Benford's toe injury doesn't appear to be long-term, the Bills could sure use the defensive difference maker for their pivotal matchup against the first-place Patriots. New England ranks second overall amongst NFL teams in passing offense (249.7).

With Benford out, veteran Tre'Davious White and first-round rookie Maxwell Hairston are likely to start at the boundary positions. As for covering Stefon Diggs, who torched the Bills for 146 yards in Week 5, nickel cornerback Taron Johnson is likely to draw that assignment often.

For insurance purposes, Buffalo elevated veteran Dane Jackson from the practice squad on Saturday night, and he's active on gameday.

Buffalo Bills cornerback Christian Benford celebrates sacking Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow during first half action at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park on Dec. 7, 2025. | Tina MacIntyre-Yee/Democrat and Chronicle / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Surprising WR switch

Although there's not always room to activate six wide receivers on gameday, it's surprising to see the Bills sit down Davis, especially if Palmer may not be 100 percent.

It's also somewhat puzzling, considering Davis's effectiveness as a run blocker, but it's most likely a gameplan decision.

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

Bills' Gameday Inactives (Week 15)

LB Terrel Bernard

CB Christian Benford

WR Gabe Davis

OL Tylan Grable

OL Chase Lundt

DT Phidarian Mathis

S Darnell Savage

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