Buffalo Bills: Week 8 Injury Report Update

We bring you all the latest injury news for the Buffalo Bills, as they prepare for their Week 8 clash with the New England Patriots in Western New York.

It’s always fascinating how much the landscape can change in just a single week in the NFL. Of course, with every team only playing 16 times, this puts tremendous emphasis on each result.

Just last week, the Buffalo Bills were riding high on a four-game winning streak, helped by the league’s best ground attack and a rejuvenated defense. Now, a mere seven days later, there is some real concern in Western New York, after losing to the Miami Dolphins.

It doesn’t help that the Bills are also about to enter the toughest stretch of their schedule. In that respect, fans may not wish to look at the Week 8 injury report, as their team prepares to take on the mighty New England Patriots.

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As you’d expect, most of the attention on offense once again focuses on LeSean McCoy. He’s doubtful for the Patriots game, meaning he’s theoretically in the same position as last week.

Unfortunately for the Bills, we all know what happened when McCoy attempted to play in Miami. Regardless of the opponent, you have to believe the team will be better served long-term, if they sit him on Sunday.

However, any decision could be compromised by the status of his main backup, Mike Gillislee, who is dealing with a foot injury. Gillislee has still had limited participation in practice, meaning in theory he should play this weekend, but it will be interesting to see how this situation plays out.

Whoever ends up getting the bulk of the carries, will have to do it behind an offensive line which has its own problems. Cordy Glenn was once again limited in practice this week, although this is more a case of the Bills being cautious with the left tackle, since his return from an ankle injury

Another starter in the wars is right guard John Miller, who has been limited all week with a shoulder injury and is listed as questionable for Sunday. At least there is some good news on the line front, with Seantrel Henderson finally cleared to see his first action of the season, after being suspended for four games and then recovering from a back issue.

The Bills have serious issues with the receiving corps, which is already missing Sammy Watkins. With his absence, Robert Woods becomes more important, but he also did not play last weekend.

Oct 23, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Buffalo Bills strong safety Aaron Williams (23) is helped off the field after being injured in the game against the Miami Dolphins during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

Dealing with a foot injury, Woods has been limited all week in practice and is questionable to face the Patriots. However, there may well be pressure on him to give it go, especially with Marquise Goodwin ruled out, due to a concussion.

The last offensive player on the injury report is ever-present Charles Clay. As usual, the tight end sat out practice on Wednesday to rest his knee, but will suit up on Sunday.

Turning to the defense, Marcell Dareus has yet to play this season, due to a combination of his suspension and then suffering a hamstring injury. However, despite being limited in practice this week, he expects to face the Patriots, as tweeted by Jay Skurski of The Buffalo News.

The other injury concern on the defensive line is Corbin Bryant, who is questionable with a shoulder issue. In truth though, his potential absence won’t matter much.

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Jerry Hughes represents the biggest worry at the linebacker position, with him limited all week with a hand injury. Despite slowing down slightly since a sensational start to this season, his importance has the Bills hoping he will be healthy enough to suit up against the Patriots.

If Hughes can’t go, it is vitally important that Lerentee McCray is available to take his spot. However, McCray is also contending with his own injury problems, and is listed as questionable with a knee issue.

Finally we come to Aaron Williams, who suffered another neck injury last Sunday, after the controversial hit by the Dolphins’ Jarvis Landry. Speaking to Bills’ Insider Chris Brown and other reporters on Thursday, Rex Ryan indicated the injury is week to week, rather than day to day.

Ryan said: “I don’t think there’s any doubt that there are some long-term concerns there.” Williams won’t suit up against the Patriots, and given his previous issues, could well be in for another long-term absence.

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Taking the injuries into account, what’s your prediction for the Bills’ clash with the Patriots? Do you think they will get the series sweep, or fall to 4-4 on the season? Let us know in the comments section below.

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