The Bills once again found a way to get it done to move to 3-0 Sunday. A close fought game was won in the dying minutes of the 4th quarter with a final score of 21-17. They appeared to dominate early in the game with a 14-0 lead going into the half, but allowed the Bengals to hang around and score 17 unanswered points. Fortunately, RB Frank Gore plowed into the end zone with 1:50 left in the 4th quarter. While Bills Mafia can savor this win, several injuries dampen the excitement.
Prior to the game, it was already known that RB Devin Singletary (left hamstring), CB Taron Johnson (right hamstring), & TE Tyler Kroft (left ankle) all would not be suiting up. All appear to be tracking to return for possibly next week. However, Kroft was observed in a walking boot following the game on his left ankle. Singletary hasn’t had any updates but hamstrings are finicky with the recovery. They all would have been fine options for this week, but having them 100% for the Patriots will be key.
It appeared that CB Tre’Davious White (neck) suffered no ill effects from the last week in a red no-contact jersey as he was able to snag 2 key interceptions, the final which sealed the victory. LB Corey Thompson (ankle) appeared only on special teams due to a low ankle sprain, but was able to contribute in some fashion after being listed as questionable heading into Sunday.
Unfortunately, there was a slew of injuries that varied in severity & will be addressed below.
OG Jon Feliciano (neck)
The offensive mauler suffered a neck injury during the first scoring play late in the 1st quarter. Reviewing film, he got blocked down to the left and appeared to get hit on the right side of the head. He was able to get up and participate in the 2 point conversion before getting to the sidelines where he was initially questionable before being downgraded to out.
Afterward, he was observed walking around the locker room in a neck brace by The Athletic’s Joe Buscaglia. Considering the limited video and follow up bracing, this would indicate that he may be dealing with a whiplash injury. This type of injury is more commonly seen in motor vehicle accidents, but can occur with any rapid change in motion in relation to the head. There is always the possibility for a fracture but until the team releases more info, I am leaning towards whiplash.
The neck brace would assist with supporting the cervical region to prevent unnecessary movement. He would likely not wear a neck brace for long, possibly 1-3 days, but hopes that he would be able to begin rehab to restore motion and strength to the area is ideal.
This may be an injury he could miss a few games if my thoughts are correct. Once further information is released, a more definitive timeline can be established.
OT Ty Nsekhe (right ankle)
Nsekhe briefly left the game late in the 3rd quarter due to getting bull rushed backwards, possibly jamming his ankle. He thankfully was able to return & continue playing without any apparent drop off in play. I would categorize this more of a contusion & this is something that really should have no impact on practice or the upcoming game this week. It’s also possible that he may have suffered an Achilles strain due to getting pushed back how he did, but he fell down easily and if there was concern for that, he probably wouldn’t have returned. At worst, he may have a wrap or sleeve on the ankle, but this should not affect his availability barring any new information.
WR Cole Beasley (right knee)
The shifty receiver left the game for several plays while dealing with an injury to his right knee. Video replay shows that he got tangled up with his defensive counterpart and he appears to have fallen directly onto the area. Like Nsekhe, he could have a contusion for which he is able to play through. I also do not anticipate this being a factor this week.
DT Harrison Phillips (left knee)
With just under 2 minutes left in the game & the Bills protecting a 4 point lead, Phillips went down with what appears to be a left knee injury. He was pushing forward moving inward/outward before his left knee buckled from under him and he fell down. There did not appear to be any direct contact to the area but an injury clearly occurred. He was briefly assessed before being able to get up and jogged/walked off the field.
Later it was reported that he was going to get X-rays once he was in the locker room. Imaging may be checking to determine if he suffered an MCL sprain with associated damage such as a meniscus or a bone bruise. Considering how he fell, they may have also been checking out his tibial plateau or the kneecap which could have been injured as a result. Reports indicate that he is getting an MRI on the knee today.
UPDATE: Phillips has since been diagnosed with a torn ACL, ending his season.
He tore the same side back in 2015 while in college at Stanford.
Until we get more information on Feliciano, it is difficult to determine timelines at this time. While injuries do occur, the Bills continue to mostly avoid the season ending variety. There may be other injuries to be released later, but this is what is known at this time. If Feliciano is unable to go, rookie OT Cody Ford can slide over or OG Spencer Long can man the spot.
The team does have recent Dolphins cut DT Vincent Taylor or DT Kyle Peko they can bring up now that Phillips is out. The Bills are banged up right now heading into Week 4, but with a good practice this week, what was lost Sunday may be balanced out by with what returns.
