The Buffalo Bills will be without rising star Terrel Bernard for their Monday Night Football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, but he might return soon after. Bernard strained his pectoral during the team’s victory over the Miami Dolphins on September 12, with ESPN’s Adam Schefter initially suggesting he could be out for up to a month.
However, Bills head coach Sean McDermott provided a more positive update on September 21, indicating that the team’s defensive captain is likely to avoid injured reserve.
“I don’t have any further information right now,” McDermott said, as reported by SI.com. “I don’t think so, but I can’t say that with absolute certainty. I believe we won’t have to go that route.”
Syracuse.com reporter Matt Parrino called it an “encouraging update” regarding Bernard, even though McDermott couldn’t confirm that Bernard would definitely avoid IR and a four-week absence.
Bills Have Already Ruled Terrel Bernard Out
The Bills will not have Bernard available for their Monday matchup against the Jaguars, as they aim to improve to 3-0 and take an early lead in the AFC East. Earlier in the week, McDermott informed reporters that both Bernard and nickel cornerback Taron Johnson will be sidelined for the game.
Bernard secured the middle linebacker position following Tremaine Edmunds’ departure before the 2023 season. He started all 17 games last year, recording 143 total tackles, 6.5 sacks, and three interceptions.
The Bills had an extensive injury report this week, with defensive ends Dawuane Smoot, Javon Solomon, and Casey Toohill all limited in practice. Although there were injuries on offense, all players participated fully. Quarterbacks Josh Allen and Mitch Trubisky, along with running back Ty Johnson and tight end Quintin Morris, were noted on the final report.
Before the season began, the team faced a significant injury blow when linebacker Matt Milano tore his pectoral during training camp. Milano ended up missing most of the 2023 season due to a leg fracture.
The Bills could get a bit of a break on defense on Monday night as Jaguars tight end Evan Engram has also been ruled out.
Bills Turn to Little-Used Linebacker
Baylon Spector needed a play or two adjust after replacing Terrel Bernard as #Bills middle linebacker. He would have preferred a week's worth of reps before jumping in. Now he's getting them ahead of his first regular-season start.https://t.co/JMv6VOHqAn
— Nick Sabato (@NickSabatoGNN) September 19, 2024
With Bernard out, McDermott said the team is prepared to turn to reserve Baylon Spector to start. The Bills head coach shared some praise for the way he filled in during last week’s win over the Dolphins.
“[I’ve seen] him being himself,” McDermott told reporters, according to SI.com’s Kyle Silagyi. “Honestly, there’s nothing really different from what he’s done before. It’s crucial for him to play his game, not try to do too much, and just focus on doing his job like the rest of us.”
Silagyi pointed out that starting could be a significant challenge for Spector, the 25-year-old linebacker who has primarily played on special teams during his first two seasons with the Bills.
“Replacing a team captain and the defensive signal-caller is a tough task for any player, and it’s even more daunting for a 25-year-old entering his third professional season with only 55 career defensive snaps,” Silagyi wrote.
