‘McDermott said he expected the other players listed on the Bills’ injury report to be decided closer to the game. Linebacker Terrel Bernard (ankle), cornerbacks Rasul Douglas (knee) and Taron Johnson (concussion protocol) and punter Sam Martin (hamstring) were listed as questionable.’
BillsBeat - January 20, 2024
Ryan O'Halloran: For Josh Allen, Sunday is legacy-building chance
‘This is absolutely a legacy game for Allen.’
Cam Lewis' versality key as Buffalo Bills defense juggles multiple injuries
‘Lewis played in all 17 games in the regular season, with 13% of defensive snaps and 75% of special teams snaps, but played 43% of the defensive snaps last week against Pittsburgh in the wild-card round, mainly because of the concussion suffered by nickel cornerback Taron Johnson.’
Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones is Issue No. 1 for Bills' offense
‘In six career games against the Bills, Jones has eight tackles and one sack, but that obviously doesn’t tell the story. He has played at least 67% of the defensive snaps in each game and the Chiefs are creative in moving him around the line to get him one-on-one matchups.’
Roundtable: Other than Josh Allen, who needs to have a big day for Bills?
‘James Cook. The running back needs to be the best player on the field at his position Sunday. That won’t be easy, because Kansas City’s Isaiah Pacheco – who missed the first meeting between these teams because of injury – will be in the lineup.’
What's going on with The Pit? An explainer – and a poem – on the Buffalo Bills' new stadium
‘Let us start by saying this is an unsubstantiated rumor, and that The Buffalo News does NOT encourage anyone to jump into The Pit.’
Sean Kirst: At Bills playoff game, a grateful monsignor, a lost wedding ring and Steelers fans treated like kin
‘As the Buffalo Bills prepare for their American Football Conference showdown against Kansas City at Highmark Stadium – and as thousands and thousands of spectators reflect on watching Monday’s victory over Pittsburgh, from stands encased in snow – I’ve spent the week reading emails or taking calls about quiet and memorable tales involving the past few days. Here are a few, though I wish I could share them all…’.
Bills injury report brightens, but Stefon Diggs a surprise mention
‘And in a surprising development, McDermott added wide receiver Stefon Diggs would be “limited at best” in Friday’s practice due to a foot injury. The expectation is that he’ll play, but you have to wonder how problematic the injury is. Friday, Diggs did indicate in the locker room that he’d be fine.’
Rochester woman's 'See Ya Next Week Taylor!' sign goes viral. Hear from woman behind it
‘The sign’s maker, Honeoye Falls resident and former Democrat and Chronicle reporter Georgie McKean, falls into both the Bills Mafia and the Swiftie ranks.’
Taron Johnson ‘optimistic’ he’ll play vs. the Chiefs; 4 other Bills ruled out
‘Johnson, voted as a second-team All-Pro by the Associated Press last week, spoke to reporters on Friday and said that he feels good and that if he passes the final check in the NFL’s concussion protocol on Saturday, he’ll play. He’s officially questionable on the team’s final injury report.’
Buffalo Bills paying fans to help with shoveling snow at stadium again
‘The Bills paid fans to help shovel snow last weekend for the playoff game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The winter weather in Western New York was so bad, the game was delayed to Monday; there was still snow in the stands at game time, so fans would throw snow in the air every time the Bills scored.’
Taylor Swift has ties to Buffalo area, despite cheering for Kansas City Chiefs
‘According to the blog Discovering Buffalo One Street at a Time and confirmed by The Observer, Swift’s great-grandmother Eleanor Mayer lived in Dunkirk, N.Y. in the early 1900s. Eleanor’s parents, Julius and Delia Mayer — Swift’s great-great-grandparents, originally from Bavaria — owned the Mayer Music Store on Central Avenue in Dunkirk, located about 40 miles southwest of Buffalo.’
Bills rule out CB Benford, WR Davis, others for divisional round matchup vs. Chiefs; LB Bernard still hopeful
‘Linebacker Terrel Bernard (ankle), cornerback Taron Johnson (concussion) and punter Sam Martin (hamstring), all of whom left Buffalo’s wild card win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, along with cornerback Rasul Douglas (knee), who missed the win over Pittsburgh, are questionable per the team’s official injury report.’
Injuries turn Bills defense into jigsaw puzzle as they search for right pieces to stop Patrick Mahomes
‘On Friday, McDermott ruled out cornerback Christian Benford (knee), linebacker Baylon Spector (back) and safety Taylor Rapp (calf) — along with receiver Gabe Davis (knee) — while linebacker Terrel Bernard (ankle) and cornerback Taron Johnson (concussion) are game-time decisions. Meanwhile, cornerback Rasul Douglas (knee) is listed as questionable after practicing in full Friday.’
Bill bagels draw attention in the Falls
‘Bills bagels are available before this weekend’s playoff game against the Kansas City Chiefs, while supplies last. The eatery is open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and is located at 444 Third St.’