Dalton Kincaid shines in return as Josh Allen praises his impact
Tight end Dalton Kincaid made a notable return to the Buffalo Bills’ lineup during their thrilling 39-34 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals on December 7. His presence was a welcome boost for quarterback Josh Allen, who expressed his excitement about Kincaid’s impact on the field.
“He’s a difference maker out there for us. We know that, and I think the defense knows that, too. But he’s, yeah, he’s an absolute stud,” Allen stated confidently after the game, highlighting Kincaid’s significance to the team.
Kincaid’s Comeback Performance
This matchup marked Kincaid’s first game since November 9, when he suffered a hamstring injury in a loss to the Miami Dolphins. In his return, he played a limited role, participating in one-third of the Bills’ offensive snaps (22 in total). He made the most of his time on the field, recording four receptions for 41 yards, including a touchdown on five targets.
Bills’ head coach Sean McDermott acknowledged the team’s cautious approach to Kincaid’s return, stating, “It’s good to have Dalton back. And I think from the sounds of it, he made it through healthy.” This measured strategy appears to have paid off, as Kincaid’s performance contributed significantly to the team’s success.
Navigating Injury Challenges
Kincaid’s path back to the field has not been without its obstacles. Following his hamstring recovery, he returned to practice before the November 30 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers but was ruled out as a precaution.
This past week, Kincaid faced another challenge with a knee issue that had resurfaced, a concern stemming from an injury he dealt with during training camp. Wearing a knee brace during practice, he was limited in his participation leading up to his Week 14 game.
Given Kincaid’s previous knee struggles, there remains a level of concern regarding his health moving forward. However, when he is on the field, he has demonstrated his effectiveness, with touchdown catches in five of his nine appearances this season. As the Bills look to maintain their momentum, Kincaid’s ability to overcome these challenges will be crucial for the remainder of the season.
