The Buffalo Bills are heading into this weekend’s crucial matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs facing significant injury challenges on their defensive line and in the secondary. Now, they could also risk losing one of their most important linebackers.
### Injuries Hit the Bills’ Defense Hard
This week, the Bills placed defensive tackle Ed Oliver on injured reserve, following the recent loss of starting safety Taylor Rapp, who was also moved to IR just a week prior. The team received more concerning news when linebacker Shaq Thompson experienced a major setback.
Thompson was initially listed as limited for Wednesday’s practice but was downgraded to a non-participant on Thursday. It remains unclear whether Thompson’s injury worsened or if he sustained a new injury during practice.
### Shaq Thompson’s Impact
Shaq Thompson was one of the biggest additions to the Bills’ linebacking corps this offseason, signing after spending his first 10 NFL seasons with the Carolina Panthers. He has since emerged as one of the strongest players in the group and is considered the team’s best coverage linebacker.
So far this season, Thompson has recorded 28 total tackles, 1.0 sack, three tackles for loss, two passes defensed, and one forced fumble across six games, including two starts.
### More Defensive Concerns
In addition to losing Oliver, the Bills could be without defensive tackle DaQuan Jones, who, along with Thompson, was listed as a non-participant at Thursday’s practice. If Thompson cannot play on Sunday against the Chiefs, second-year linebacker Joe Andreessen may be asked to take on a larger role.
### Stakes Are High in Bills vs. Chiefs
This now-annual regular-season showdown carries extra importance this year, as both teams aim to climb back to the top of their divisions. The Bills recently lost their lead in the AFC East following a defeat to the New England Patriots, while the Chiefs are trying to bounce back from an 0-2 start.
### Bills Add Reinforcements
To address these injury challenges, the Bills have brought back a pair of familiar faces. Defensive tackle Jordan Phillips and safety Jordan Poyer have been signed to the active roster from the practice squad. Both players have been elevated several times this season and are expected to play significant roles moving forward.
Additionally, the Bills have bolstered their practice squad by signing Tommy Akingbesote, a 2025 Dallas Cowboys draft pick. According to Ryan Fowler of The Draft Network, Akingbesote is viewed as a raw prospect with strong natural traits but also some areas that need development.
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With key defensive players sidelined, the Bills will rely heavily on these reinforcements and emerging talent as they prepare to face the Chiefs in a pivotal contest this Sunday.
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