The Buffalo Bills managed to earn a much-needed victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 13 to help stop a recent run that saw them suffer crushing losses to the Houston Texans and Miami Dolphins. However, the Bills need to keep up that positive momentum as they attempt to keep pace in the AFC wild-card race.
As of late, the injuries have begun to pile up on both sides of the ball for Buffalo, which has only made winning games more difficult for them. Sure enough, the injury woes the team has dealt with as of late will persist heading into Week 14, as head coach Sean McDermott ruled out defensive lineman Joey Bosa and linebacker Terrel Bernard on Friday morning.
Joey Bosa, Terrel Bernard Ruled Out for Bills’ Week 14 Action
Bosa and Bernard have been two of the Bills’ most impactful defenders this season, which makes their injury woes all the more difficult to stomach. In his first year with Buffalo, Bosa has racked up 26 tackles, five sacks, and a league-leading five fumbles forced, while Bernard had 56 tackles, one interception, and three pass deflections at the heart of the team’s defense.
Injuries have been a big part of Bosa’s career, but he’s started all 12 of the team’s games to this point. However, he suffered a hamstring injury in the team’s win over the Steelers that forced him out of the game early. Bernard, meanwhile, has been dealing with an elbow injury that he sustained in the Bills’ loss to the Texans.
Throughout the week, it seemed unlikely that either guy would be able to find their way onto the field in Week 14. On Friday, McDermott revealed that both Bosa and Bernard would be unable to play against the Cincinnati Bengals, which is a huge blow. On offense, wide receiver Josh Palmer is doubtful, but in good news, Dion Dawkins will play after clearing the league’s concussion protocol, while fellow offensive lineman Spencer Brown looks likely to be questionable.
“Bills HC Sean McDermott said on WGR-AM that DE Joey Bosa and LB Terrel Bernard have been ruled OUT vs. the Bengals on Sunday,” Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic shared in a post on X. “WR Joshua Palmer is DOUBTFUL and won’t practice Friday. LT Dion Dawkins cleared concussion protocol. RT Spencer Brown will be ‘limited’ Friday.”
Bills Going to Face Tough Sledding in Week 14 vs. Bengals
Alex Slitz/GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 20: Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills gestures against the Houston Texans during the fourth quarter at NRG Stadium on November 20, 2025 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
The Bengals may be 4-8, but with Joe Burrow back under center, they look like a completely different team. Cincinnati cruised past the Baltimore Ravens in Week 13, and with the playoffs still in the cards for them, you can bet they will be very motivated to take down Buffalo in Week 14 to really make the race atop the AFC North division intriguing.
Losing two impact players, Bosa and Bernard, on defense won’t make things easier for the Bills, but they appeared to find a winning formula against the Steelers, as they leaned heavily on the ground game to carry them to victory. Even with these injuries, Buffalo should have a solid shot at earning its second straight win in Week 14. Kickoff for this important contest is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET on Sunday afternoon.
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