Week 15 Injury Report (2023): Buffalo Bills vs. Dallas Cowboys

The Buffalo Bills are 7-6 after shaking off the Kansas City Chiefs last week. Unfortunately, just as the Bills looked to be getting heather on the injury front, they lose two key starters this weekend.

That being said, Buffalo got TE Dawson Knox back from the IR last week, CB Kaiir Elam is a week into his 21-day practice window, and WR Justin Shorter just opened his own 21-day practice window.

As for the Dallas Cowboys, they are dealing with some ailing stars themselves. Starting DT Jonathan Hankins is OUT for tomorrow. Meanwhile, starting CB Stephon Gilmore (illness), WR Brandin Cooks (illness), S Malik Hooker (ankle), and depth WR Jalen Tolbert (illness) are all QUESTIONABLE. I think it is safe to say this team is dealing with an illness bug, so significant Stephon Gilmore was unable to practice all week. Their IR list also includes starting CB Trevon Diggs and LB Leighton Vander Esch.

OUT

S Micah Hyde

Micah suffered a “neck stinger” against the Chiefs and did not return to the game. This is the same injury he suffered against the Bengals in Week 9. He also exited that game and did not play the following week.

This is a significant injury for Hyde because of his recent neck history. Although not confirmed, Hyde likely underwent an Anterior Cervical Discectomy Fusion (ACDF) last year. A player returning to a contact sport runs a risk returning from these types of injuries. Usually, once they suffer a new stinger or severe neck ailment, it’s game over. Hyde has already returned once after a significant stinger, it will be interesting to see if he tries to again before the season ends.

DE AJ Epenesa

Epenesa likely injured his ‘ribs’ when he was tackled on his INT during the Chiefs game. He returned for one play before exiting. Although it is unlikely a rib fracture, he is likely dealing with an injury to the rib cartilage.

An injury of this nature carries a 2-4 week recovery and will require a protective device (1). He was seen at practice, which was a good sign, but will be a heavy lift to get him back to action next week. Expect Epenesa to return Week 17 against the Patriots.

QUESTIONABLE

CB Kaiir Elam

Elam was placed on the IR before the Buffalo Bills’ Week 9 matchup against the Bengals for an ‘ankle’ injury. It has now been reported to be a deltoid ligament injury of his ankle. This is the ligament on the inside of the ankle and is a trickier recovery, similar to a high ankle sprain. The lack of disclosure of his injury on the team’s injury list is a bit questionable.

Elam is now in the second week of his 21-day practice window and has been a full participant the past two weeks. It is unlikely he is activated this week due to numbers.

WR Justin Shorter

Shorter has been on the IR list since the preseason for a ‘hamstring’. It never appeared he suffered an injury in the last preseason game and appeared to be a redshirt stash due to his hamstring history in college. The team opened his 21-day practice window this week but it is unlikely he is activated.

ALSO LISTED 

TE Dawson Knox

Knox went on the IR to undergo ‘wrist’ surgery. His timeline of recovery was just under seven weeks post-op. This timeline is consistent with a fixation for a scaphoid fracture as they carry a 4–6 week recovery (2). In his first week back from his IR stint, Knox played 47% of Buffalo’s offensive snaps against the Chiefs.

TE Dalton Kincaid

Kincaid was listed with a ‘thumb’ injury last week after the Eagles game. Looking back as his snap count against Philly, it must have been bothering him as he played just 61% of the snaps, his lowest share since Week 7. This is likely a minor sprain.

Then, he appeared to suffer an AC joint sprain on his last play before the game-winning field goal against the Chiefs. He was in a non-contact jersey this week but will play Sunday. His ailments have high potential to get aggravated.

CB Taron Johnson

Johnson was limited all week in practice with an ‘ankle’ injury. His ailment is likely minor, as he played 100% of the defensive snaps against the Chiefs last week.

DE Leonard Floyd

Floyd was listed with a ‘wrist’ injury this week. He was a full participant in practice and will play. He is likely dealing with a minor sprain.

QB Josh Allen

While still listed on the Buffalo Bills injury report with his ‘right shoulder’ injury, Josh Allen is fine.

Citations

1. McAdams TR, Deimel JF, Ferguson J, Beamer BS, Beaulieu CF. Chondral Rib Fractures in Professional American Football: Two Cases and Current Practice Patterns Among NFL Team Physicians. Orthop J Sports Med. 2016 Feb 9; 4(2): 2325967115627623. doi: 10.1177/2325967115627623. PMID: 26925425; PMCID: PMC4753355.
2. Winston MJ, Weiland AJ. Scaphoid fractures in the athlete. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med. 2017 Mar; 10(1): 38-44. doi: 10.1007/s12178-017-9382-y. PMID: 28251560; PMCID: PMC5344853.