Ahead of Week 12 against the Philadelphia Eagles, the Buffalo Bills face setbacks as safety Taylor Rapp and cornerback Dane Jackson are ruled out, despite hopes for Rapp’s inclusion after a limited Thursday practice. Head coach Sean McDermott confirmed Rapp’s unavailability, compounding the absence of Jackson. However, there is a silver lining as nickel cornerback Taron Johnson clears concussion protocol, making a swift return following a collision with running back Breece Hall in the previous week’s victory over the New York Jets.
With Johnson back in action, the Bills field their primary five defensive backs, featuring safeties Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde, cornerback Christian Benford, cornerback Rasul Douglas, and Johnson. Concerns arise regarding depth in the defensive secondary due to Rapp and Jackson’s absence. Defensive back Cam Lewis, dealing with a shoulder injury since Week 9, and safety Damar Hamlin, with limited playing time this season, remain as the only available options. The Bills might consider elevating cornerback Ja’Marcus Ingram from the practice squad or potentially signing Josh Norman, although the latter presents roster challenges.
The Eagles, on the other hand, will be without starting tight end Dallas Goedert, known for his significant contributions this season. Defensive tackle Milton Williams is also sidelined after failing to clear concussion protocol, while wide receiver Quez Watkins is questionable with a hamstring injury. Notably, A.J. Brown, Julio Jones, and De’Andre Swift from the Bills’ opponent, the Tennessee Titans, are set to play after full participation in practice.
As teams finalize their rosters, the official list of inactives will be disclosed 90 minutes before kickoff on Sunday, adding an element of uncertainty to the player lineup for this Week 12 matchup.
Leave a Reply