The Buffalo Bills face significant challenges in their defensive backfield ahead of their game against the Detroit Lions on December 15. Rasul Douglas has been ruled out due to a knee injury, and head coach Sean McDermott indicated that starting safeties Taylor Rapp and Damar Hamlin are questionable after limited practice participation.

Rapp, who recently aggravated neck and shoulder injuries, and Hamlin, dealing with back and rib issues, both wore non-contact jerseys during practice. With only rookie Cole Bishop available as a pure safety, the Bills may need to elevate a player from their practice squad to bolster their defense against a strong Lions offense.