Buffalo Bills Face Tough Challenge Against Steelers Without Key Tackles

The Buffalo Bills are facing a significant challenge in their Week 13 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, as they will be without both starting tackles, Dion Dawkins and Spencer Brown. Head coach Sean McDermott confirmed that Dawkins is out due to a concussion and Brown has been ruled out with a shoulder injury. This leaves the Bills offensive line vulnerable, especially against the Steelers' formidable pass rush, which is led by T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith. Last week, the Bills' quarterback Josh Allen was sacked a career-high eight times, raising concerns about how the makeshift offensive line will protect him in this crucial game.

To fill the gaps left by Dawkins and Brown, the Bills will rely on swing tackle Ryan Van Demark and either second-year player Tylan Grable or rookie Chase Lundt, who has yet to see any action in the NFL. This drastic shift in personnel comes at a critical time, as the Bills enter the game with a 7-4 record and are in contention for a playoff spot. A loss could drop them out of the AFC playoff picture with just weeks left in the regular season.

In addition to the tackle situation, the Bills will also be without starting middle linebacker Terrel Bernard, who is sidelined with an elbow injury. Veteran Shaq Thompson is expected to step in for Bernard. The wide receiver corps has undergone changes as well, with Curtis Samuel placed on injured reserve, leading to the promotion of Gabe Davis from the practice squad and the signing of veteran Brandin Cooks to add depth.

On the other side, the Steelers are also dealing with injuries, most notably losing left tackle Broderick Jones to a neck injury, who has been placed on injured reserve. Andrus Peat is expected to start in his place, providing a similar challenge for Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who is making his return from a wrist injury. With both teams missing key offensive linemen, the matchup could hinge on which team can better adapt to their reshuffled lineups.

The game kicks off at 4:25 PM EST at Acrisure Stadium on Thanksgiving Sunday, and it’s a critical moment for the Bills as they try to solidify their playoff hopes. Analysts have noted that the Bills must find a way to manage the game effectively, especially in terms of time of possession. The Bills average 32 minutes and 22 seconds in possession, second-best in the league, while the Steelers average just 27 minutes and 51 seconds, which ranks among the lowest. This disparity means that if the Bills can control the clock and run the ball effectively, they could mitigate the impact of their offensive line issues.

Particularly, the Bills have excelled in rushing up the middle, averaging 5.95 yards per carry, which is the best in the league. This approach could be instrumental in exploiting a Steelers run defense that is average at best. As the game approaches, the stakes are high, and both teams will need to adjust quickly to the challenges presented by injuries and the playoff implications on the line.