2024 AFC Championship Game Injury Report: Buffalo Bills vs Kansas City Chiefs

The Buffalo Bills are heading to Kansas City for what promises to be a monumental AFC Championship Game featuring an epic showdown between Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes.

But while football fans are focused on the field, it’s hard to ignore the off-the-field drama that’s sure to have Chiefs fans — most of whom are Swifties — in their feelings this weekend.

Josh Allen, fresh off his engagement to Hailee Steinfeld, might as well be breaking hearts all over Kansas City. You just know the Swifties are gearing up for a Travis Kelce breakup album any minute now.

But hey, Josh doesn’t need any more than Hailee Steinfeld and a Lombardi Trophy to keep him smiling!

As for the game itself, the Bills will be down a starter, with safety Taylor Rapp officially ruled out. Meanwhile, cornerback Christian Benford’s status remains in question after being listed with a concussion, and his availability could be a crucial factor in the Bills’ defense as they try to contain the Chiefs’ high-powered offense.

The Kansas City Chiefs enter the AFC Championship Game in excellent health, with no player designations on the injury report this week. They have a full roster at their disposal.

OUT

S Taylor Rapp

Bills’ safety Taylor Rapp suffered a significant injury during last week’s win over the Ravens, going down with a ‘hip/back’ issue that has kept him sidelined throughout the week.

Rapp was unable to practice at all and has been officially ruled out for the AFC Championship Game.

QUESTIONABLE

CB Christian Benford

Bills’ cornerback Christian Benford is listed as questionable after suffering a ‘concussion’ on the final play of last week’s win over the Ravens during the onside kick.

There is optimism surrounding his status, as Benford was able to practice on Wednesday and Thursday, showing signs of progress in clearing the concussion protocol.

Assuming Benford was in Phase 4 of the protocol, he just needs final clearance from the team’s Independent Neurological Consultant.

However, he was excused from Friday’s practice due to a personal reason, which is leaving fans to wonder if it’s somehow related to his concussion.

While the situation remains unclear, there’s still hope that Benford will be ready to suit up for Sunday’s game, and I expect he will ultimately clear the protocol in time to play.

ALSO LISTED

LB Matt Milano

Bills linebacker Matt Milano is listed with a ‘hamstring’ injury that reportedly cropped up during the last drive of last week’s win over the Ravens, causing him to sit out for much of that series—including the crucial 2-point conversion.

It was unclear what he was dealing with, as the team seemed coy on Monday press conferences, but it was eventually disclosed in Wednesday’s injury report.

While the team is describing it as “soreness” rather than a full-blown strain, hamstring injuries typically take about two weeks to fully recover (1).

That said, there have been plenty of cases where players return the following week, though doing so increases the risk of re-injury.

Despite the potential risks, the Bills are expected to have Milano active for Sunday’s AFC Championship Game.

Given his importance to the defense, it’s a gamble Buffalo is clearly willing to take as they rely on his playmaking ability against the Chiefs.

CB Taron Johnson

Bills slot cornerback Taron Johnson is listed with a ‘shoulder’ injury after he appeared to sublux his shoulder late in last week’s win over the Ravens.

Despite the injury, Johnson was able to return to the game, which is a good sign for his recovery.

Shoulder subluxations typically require about 1.5 weeks to heal (2), but there are numerous cases where players return immediately, like Johnson will.

He participated fully in practice on Wednesday and Friday, though he was limited on Thursday.

The expectation is that Johnson will suit up on Sunday, though he will likely wear a shoulder harness to help stabilize the joint and prevent excessive motion.

While he should be ready to go, there is always a risk of further instability, and if his shoulder slips again, it could lead to a more significant issue.

But for now, it seems he’s good to go and will be a key part of the Bills’ defense.

OL Dion Dawkins

Bills offensive tackle Dion Dawkins missed Wednesday’s practice with ‘illness’. He has since returned and hopefully hasn’t spread any germs.

IR-Return

LB Baylon Spector

Bills linebacker Baylon Spector has been designated to return from injured reserve after recovering from a calf injury he sustained about a month ago.

While it’s still unclear whether he will be activated to the 53-man roster in time for the AFC Championship Game, his 21-day practice window is now officially open.

OTHER LISTED PLAYERS

The following players were listed on the injury report, but were full participants the whole week and will play;

S Damar Hamlin (ribs)

TE Dalton Kincaid (knee)

DB Cam Lewis (shoulder)

OL Connor McGovern (shoulder)

DE Greg Rousseau (finger)

LB Dorian Williams (elbow)

Citation

  1. Jenkins R, Bianchi J, Watson J, Shinners J, Jaisinghani P, Spain B, Ruotolo C. Risk and Prognosis of Hamstring Injuries in the National Football League: A 12-Year Review. Orthop J Sports Med. 2024 Dec 6;12(12):23259671241298622. doi: 10.1177/23259671241298622. PMID: 39649523; PMCID: PMC11624564.
  2. Okoroha KR, Taylor K, Keller RA, Marshall NE, Varma V, Moutzouros V. Return to Play After Shoulder Instability in National Football League Athletes. Orthop J Sports Med. 2017 Jul 31;5(7 suppl6):2325967117S00250. doi: 10.1177/2325967117S00250. PMCID: PMC5542321.

Featured Image Credit: Chiefs Wire – USA Today

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