David Chao, MD
2 min read • January 20, 2024
Posted in
Kansas City has the health advantage in this matchup despite being underdogs on the road. Buffalo has won 3 of the last 5 matchups against the Chiefs, all of which have come in Kansas City.
The Chiefs’ main injury absence comes on defense with free safety Bryan Cook missing his second straight month since suffering an ankle fracture/dislocation on Dec. 3 against the Green Bay Packers.
Veteran safety Mike Edwards has filled in admirably, logging 11 combined tackles in the Dec. 10 matchup against the Chiefs and snagging an interception in the Wild Card round against the Dolphins.
Embattled wideout Kadarius Toney is questionable for the contest with hip and ankle issues that have lingered late in the season. His last game action came on Dec. 17 against the Patriots and he doesn’t figure to be a big part of the game plan even if active for this contest.
The Bills enter the matchup at a supreme disadvantage on the health front and have the lowest SIC score of any team remaining in the playoffs.
Good news: Stefon Diggs should be full go despite missing practice time with a minor foot issue.
Bad news: the defense continues to lose key players and standout linebacker Terrel Bernard is likely to miss the contest with an ankle injury he suffered in the Wild Card round.
Already down No. 1 cornerback Tre’Davious White, the Bills appear to be getting mid-season addition Rasul Douglas and solid CB Taron Johnson back this week.
Douglas is questionable after missing last week’s win with an MCL sprain he suffered in Week 18. Johnson is questionable while in concussion protocol, but is trending in a positive direction toward clearing ahead of Sunday’s game.
Depth defensive pieces Taylor Rapp and Christian Benford have been ruled out for the contest along with wide receiver Gabe Davis.
Also of note, veteran edge rusher Von Miller is still recovering from last season’s ACL tear and has not logged a sack or a half sack in all 12 games this season.
Written by David Chao, MD
