The Buffalo Bills had several key players return from injury in the final weeks of the season, entering the playoffs with their healthiest roster of the year.
However, with a Super Bowl berth on the line and a trip to Kansas City ahead, the Bills’ luck may be running out.
The team could lose a top member of their secondary after a late injury in Sunday’s 27-25 victory over the Baltimore Ravens. If that happens, the Bills may need to rely on a seldom-used backup while facing one of the league’s best quarterbacks, Patrick Mahomes.
Bills Hit With Bad Luck Late in the Divisional Round
Bills head coach Sean McDermott informed reporters on Monday that cornerback Christian Benford was placed in concussion protocol after suffering an injury during one of the final plays of the game. As noted by News 8 reporter A.J. Feldman on X, Benford took a hard hit when the Bills recovered a late onside kick after the Ravens failed to convert a game-tying two-point attempt.
“Bills cornerback Christian Benford was placed in the concussion protocol because of this hit he took on the onside kick,” Feldman wrote. “He took a pretty solid shot to the head area. Certainly not celebrating as much as some of his teammates afterward.”
Benford, a sixth-round pick in 2022, quickly earned a starting role and had a career-best season in 2024. He made 64 tackles, recorded two interceptions, and had one sack, earning an All-Pro vote.
Bills Could Be Shorthanded on Defense
If Benford is unable to play, the Bills would likely turn to backup Kaiir Elam, the team’s first-round pick in 2022. Elam has struggled when on the field, including committing two costly pass interference penalties during a December win over the New England Patriots.
“I like Kaiir Elam, and several of the calls against him are questionable, but he’s got to figure out how to stay on an NFL field without taking penalties,” reporter Nick Veronica noted on X. “The flags are too much.”
Elam was a healthy scratch for several games this season, including Sunday’s win over the Ravens. McDermott stated earlier in the season that players must earn their spots, regardless of draft status.
“Everything’s earned,” McDermott said, per The Buffalo News. “That’s a big part of every decision regarding who’s active or inactive. Everything is earned and will continue to be earned as we move forward.”
Elam expressed his disappointment with being benched for the team’s Week 11 win over the Chiefs, saying he needed to work harder.
“I was more disappointed than surprised,” Elam said. “At the end of the day, all I can do is continue to work, stay ready, and prepare like I’m going to be the guy. My confidence was always high in myself. I showed what I can do in OTAs and training camp. Every day in practice, I compete my hardest. It’s about staying ready and not letting things get to you. That’s the biggest thing for me.”
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