The Buffalo Bills are getting a brief break — a “mini-bye” — after playing two games in just five days, ahead of their Week 3 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars. However, the 11-day gap between games won’t be enough time for all of their starters to return.
Before Wednesday’s practice, head coach Sean McDermott confirmed that linebacker Terrel Bernard and nickel cornerback Taron Johnson have already been ruled out for Monday night’s game at Highmark Stadium.
Taron Johnson, who sustained a forearm injury just minutes into the Bills’ Week 1 game against the Arizona Cardinals, has only played seven snaps this season. Although the exact nature of the injury hasn’t been confirmed, it’s widely speculated to be a fracture. The good news is that the Bills have not placed Johnson, regarded as one of the top nickel corners in the league, on Injured Reserve (IR), suggesting optimism that he could return by Halloween, potentially through splinting, casting, or natural healing.
#Bills nickel Taron Johnson (right forearm) was in the locker room today post-practice. Notable is that he didn't have a cast on the arm. He missed the Miami game and has been ruled out for Jacksonville game, but remains on the active roster.
— Ryan O'Halloran (@ryanohalloran) September 18, 2024
As for linebacker Terrel Bernard, his early exit in Week 2 could have been a major setback for a Bills team already missing linebacker Matt Milano, who started the season on IR. Bernard suffered a pectoral strain while attempting to make a tackle near the goal line last Thursday night. Baylon Spector stepped in and performed admirably, recording 10 tackles (six solo). Fortunately for Buffalo, Bernard’s injury was reported to be a strain rather than a tear, meaning his recovery time should be measured in weeks, not months. The Bills haven’t placed Bernard on IR yet, and head coach Sean McDermott provided no updates regarding that possibility on Wednesday.
Can confirm Bills linebacker Terrel Bernard had a pectoral strain versus a tear, per source. He is expected to miss about a month
— katherine fitzgerald (@kfitz134) September 13, 2024
The rest of Buffalo’s roster practiced on Wednesday, including defensive end Dawuane Smoot, who had been dealing with a toe injury, and rookie defensive end Javon Solomon, who has been sidelined for two weeks with an oblique injury.
I was sent this picture of Terrel Bernard in the locker room after the game.
No sling on the left arm is positive to see. Further supports a strain vs full tear.
MRI needed to assess extent of damage & establish timeline.
📸 Buffalo #Bills@BobbyM1988 pic.twitter.com/zALWaIVmh4
— Banged Up Bills (@BangedUpBills) September 13, 2024
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