Buffalo Bills Face Significant Challenges with Injuries Ahead of Steelers Matchup

The Buffalo Bills are facing a significant challenge as they prepare to face the Pittsburgh Steelers, with head coach Sean McDermott confirming that the team will be without both starting offensive tackles, Dion Dawkins and Spencer Brown. According to reports from Syracuse.com, Dawkins is in the concussion protocol and unable to clear it in time for the game, while Brown is sidelined due to a shoulder injury. This leaves quarterback Josh Allen without his top two outside blockers against a formidable Steelers defensive line, making the matchup particularly concerning for the Bills. The injuries come at a time when the Bills are looking to bounce back from a disappointing loss to the Houston Texans, where Allen was sacked a career-high eight times. The Steelers' defense, led by All-Pro edge rusher T.J. Watt, also poses a significant threat, having ranked fifth in the league with 34 sacks this season.

The Bills are expected to start Ryan Van Demark at one tackle position, while the other will likely be filled by either second-year tackle Tylan Grable or rookie Chase Lundt. As reported by Harrisburg Patriot-News, Grable has been on injured reserve for the season, and McDermott had only recently opened his practice window. If Lundt plays, it will mark his first NFL appearance, adding further inexperience to the Bills' offensive line. The lack of experience at tackle is a critical issue, especially given the Steelers' quick pressure rate, which ranks third in the NFL at an average time to quarterback pressure of 2.39 seconds, according to Sumer Sports.

Additionally, the Bills will be without starting middle linebacker Terrel Bernard, who has an elbow injury, and wide receiver Curtis Samuel, both ruled out for the game as well. This absence may mean veteran linebacker Shaq Thompson will step up in Bernard's place, as he has been performing well this season, earning the highest grade among Bills linebackers from Pro Football Focus. The injury report is compounded by uncertainties surrounding other offensive weapons, including tight end Dalton Kincaid and wide receiver Joshua Palmer, both of whom were limited in practice leading up to the game and listed as questionable.

As the Bills prepare, the Steelers also have their own injury concerns, including quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who has yet to be fully cleared to start. However, the Steelers have been buoyed by their defensive strength, and with the Bills' offensive line in disarray, this matchup could tilt in Pittsburgh's favor. CBS Sports notes that the Bills, now at 7-4 and trailing in the AFC East, need a win to stay competitive in the playoff race, making this game crucial for both teams as they head into the latter part of the season.