Buffalo’s playoff defense suffers a major blow as starting LB Terrel Bernard and safety Damar Hamlin are ruled out for Sunday’s wild-card game against Jacksonville, leaving the Bills vulnerable at critical positions.
The Buffalo Bills will be without two key defensive players when they face the Jacksonville Jaguars in Sunday’s AFC wild-card game. Starting linebacker Terrel Bernard and safety Damar Hamlin have been officially ruled out, along with cornerback Maxwell Hairston, head coach Sean McDermott announced Friday.
Bernard, who has been battling a calf injury, and Hairston (ankle) did not participate in practice all week, while Hamlin (pectoral) was limited in practice after his window to return from injured reserve opened. Their absences create significant vulnerabilities in Buffalo’s defense at a critical juncture.
Why This Matters for Buffalo’s Playoff Hopes
Bernard has emerged as a defensive leader for the Bills this season, recording 127 tackles, 3 sacks, and 2 interceptions in 15 games. His ability to cover tight ends and running backs in space will be sorely missed against a Jaguars offense that thrives on short-to-intermediate passing.
Hamlin’s absence is equally concerning. Since returning from his cardiac arrest in 2023, he has been a stabilizing force in Buffalo’s secondary, providing veteran leadership and sure tackling. The Bills’ defense has allowed 22.3 points per game with Hamlin on the field this season compared to 26.8 without him.
The Jaguars’ Offensive Advantage
Jacksonville’s offense, led by quarterback Trevor Lawrence and running back Travis Etienne, now has a clearer path to exploit Buffalo’s depleted defense. The Jaguars rank 5th in the NFL in yards after catch (YAC), a metric where Bernard’s coverage skills would have been crucial.
Without Bernard and Hamlin, the Bills will likely rely on Matt Milano to shoulder an even heavier load. Milano, who has dealt with his own injury issues this season, will need to play at an All-Pro level to compensate for the missing starters.
Injury Updates: Who Else is Questionable?
McDermott also noted that kicker Matt Prater (right quad) and wide receiver Josh Palmer (ankle) did not practice Friday. Prater’s status is particularly concerning given his reliability in clutch situations—he has made 88% of his field goals this season, including 5 game-winners.
Linebacker Shaq Thompson (neck) is also listed as questionable. If Thompson cannot play, Buffalo would be without three of its top four linebackers, forcing them to rely on unproven depth players like Tyrel Dodson and A.J. Klein.
Fan Reactions and Playoff Implications
Bills Mafia has expressed concern on social media about the team’s depth at linebacker and safety. Many fans are calling for increased snaps for rookie E.J. Parker, who has shown promise in limited action but lacks playoff experience.
This game carries major implications for the AFC playoff picture. A Bills loss would mean the end of their Super Bowl aspirations, while a Jaguars win would set up a potential rematch with the Kansas City Chiefs in the Divisional Round.
Key Matchups to Watch
- Travis Etienne vs. Bills’ LB Corps: Without Bernard, Buffalo’s linebackers will struggle to contain Etienne’s dual-threat ability.
- Christian Kirk vs. Bills’ Secondary: Kirk has averaged 7 receptions for 89 yards against Buffalo in his career.
- Josh Allen vs. Jaguars’ Pass Rush: Allen will need to carry the offense with limited weapons if Palmer is out.
For the fastest, most authoritative analysis on breaking NFL news, stay with onlytrustedinfo.com—where we don’t just report what happened, we explain why it matters.
