Buffalo Bills face uncertainty as star cornerback Christian Benford’s injury emerges
The Buffalo Bills were enjoying a relatively quiet Week 15 in terms of injuries, but the tranquility was shattered with the sudden appearance of a new concern. Starting cornerback Christian Benford has been sidelined with a toe injury, limiting his participation in practice. He is among seven starters currently navigating injury issues as the team gears up for a crucial road matchup against the New England Patriots on December 14.
Injury Landscape Shifts
As the Bills prepare for their upcoming clash, five of the injured players were limited participants in Thursday’s practice. However, there was a silver lining, as tight end Dalton Kincaid and safety Cole Bishop returned to full participation. While Wednesday’s practice was a light walkthrough, Thursday’s sessions provided a clearer picture of the players’ readiness for Sunday.
Despite the latest injury news regarding Benford, the Bills’ overall health has markedly improved from previous weeks. Just three weeks ago, the team was grappling with a staggering 16 players on their injury report.
Benford’s Status Under Scrutiny
Benford’s absence from the injury report until Thursday raises questions about when the injury occurred, with speculations suggesting it may have happened during practice. On Thursday afternoon, he was seen wearing a soft walking boot, a sign that his condition is being closely monitored. The upcoming practice on Friday will be pivotal in determining his availability for game day.
The 23-year-old cornerback has been a vital component of the Bills’ defense this season, playing 59 out of 60 defensive snaps in their last game. His performance in Week 14 was nothing short of heroic; he recorded a sack and a game-changing Pick 6 that helped secure a victory. Throughout the season, Benford has started in 12 of 13 games, with the only absence coming during a November 9 loss to the Miami Dolphins due to a groin injury. His standout performance against the Pittsburgh Steelers on November 30 earned him the AFC Defensive Player of the Week honor, showcasing his impact on the field.
As the Bills look to solidify their playoff positioning, the status of Benford will be crucial. The team is hopeful that he can bounce back quickly, but until Friday’s practice reveals more, uncertainty looms over their defensive strategy heading into the pivotal matchup against the Patriots.
