Bills hit with two blows before Steelers game

The Buffalo Bills are dealing with a few big injuries before the wild-card playoff game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, and it could affect their defense. Starting cornerback Rasul Douglas and linebacker Tyrel Dodson both have injuries that could force them to miss the game. Bills head coach Sean McDermott listed all the team’s injuries in Miami as day-to-day, but only Dodson practiced, with Douglas sitting. Safety Taylor Rapp did not practice with a calf injury and wide receiver Gabe Davis sat out with a PCL sprain.

Davis torched the Steelers last year in Buffalo, catching three passes for 171 yards and two touchdowns. They will see more of Khalil Shakir and Trent Sherfield if he cannot go. Shakir has more of his receptions go for a first down or touchdown than anyone else in the league. Sherfield’s play has been more up-and-down, but he did make a circus touchdown grab against the Dolphins on a deflected pass.

They could lean more on other weapons outside of the receiving corps if Davis, who has played the most snaps out of any of their skill players, can not go. For example, the uptick for Dalton Kincaid and Dawson Knox could come. In addition, James Cook and Leonard Fournette could be used more in the passing game. Running back Ty Johnson, the third-down and receiving specialist, has a concussion and could also miss this game.

As for Douglas, Pitt product Dane Jackson would start if he could not play. He filled in admirably for Douglas, who missed the rest of the game after some friendly fire resulted in his knee injury. Their practice participation over the next two days will determine if they can suit up against the Steelers. Pittsburgh will be shorthanded with T.J. Watt, but will likely welcome Minkah Fitzpatrick back into the fold.