The Buffalo Bills are facing injury challenges as they prepare for Week 18 following their decisive 40-14 victory against the New York Jets. Starting linebacker Terrel Bernard has suffered a quad muscle injury and will not participate in the upcoming regular season finale. Head coach Sean McDermott confirmed that Bernard, a key team captain, will focus on recovery as the Bills have already secured the AFC's No. 2 seed.

In the win over the Jets, Bernard played 37 snaps, significantly contributing to the team's defensive efforts. His absence, alongside Baylon Spector's placement on injured reserve, will lead to increased responsibilities for undrafted rookie Joe Andreessen, who emerged as the team's leading tackler in the last game.

As the Buffalo Bills prepare for their upcoming game on December 22, they face injury challenges with seven players, primarily on defense. Head coach Sean McDermott remains optimistic, stating that no players are ruled out yet.

Key players like Matt Milano and Dorian Williams are dealing with injuries sustained in a recent high-scoring victory. Meanwhile, Baylon Spector has reappeared on the injury report, raising concerns about his calf issue.

The Buffalo Bills returned to outdoor practice on Thursday, braving low 30s temperatures. Defensive players Rasul Douglas, Taylor Rapp, Damar Hamlin, Matt Milano, Dorian Williams, and Baylon Spector were limited due to various injuries, with Douglas optimistic about playing against the Patriots.

On offense, only Curtis Samuel was limited. Notably, quarterback Josh Allen was cleared from the injury report after a recent scare. Dion Dawkins participated despite a personal incident. Meanwhile, the struggling New England Patriots faced multiple injury issues, including Christian Barmore's placement on injured reserve due to blood clots.

The Buffalo Bills faced injury setbacks during their game against the Detroit Lions, with rookie safety Cole Bishop and veteran linebacker Matt Milano both leaving the field in the fourth quarter.

Bishop suffered cramping in his lower leg and was carted off, while Milano exited due to a groin issue. Baylon Spector stepped in for Milano, marking his return after being on injured reserve.

Despite these challenges, the Bills managed to secure a 48-42 victory, halting the Lions' 11-game win streak.

The Buffalo Bills have reinstated defensive end Dawuane Smoot and linebacker Baylon Spector to their 53-man roster ahead of their upcoming game against the Detroit Lions on December 15.

Both players have recovered from injuries sustained earlier in the season and were full participants in practice. Smoot, who has recorded 12 tackles and 1.5 sacks this season, was sidelined due to a wrist injury, while Spector, a key special teams player, had been out with a calf injury.

To accommodate their return, the Bills released interior offensive lineman Will Clapp and wide receiver Jalen Virgil, both of whom had limited roles this season.