In a significant blow to their defense, the Buffalo Bills have ruled out starting middle linebacker Terrel Bernard for their Week 8 clash against the Seattle Seahawks. The lingering ankle injury that has plagued Bernard this season will sideline him once again, marking the third game he’ll miss in the 2024 campaign.
Head coach Sean McDermott delivered the sobering news in his Friday press conference, confirming that the Bills will have to rely on their depth at linebacker to contain the Seahawks offense. Bernard, a team captain and stalwart in the middle of Buffalo’s defense, has been a key figure in their run-stopping efforts.
Bernard’s Impact and Rookie Replacement
Through seven games, Bernard ranks second on the Bills in run stop win rate at an impressive 40.5%. His 6.4 tackles per game also place him second on the squad. With the hard-charging Kenneth Walker III coming to town, Bernard’s absence will certainly be felt.
Stepping into the void will be third-year linebacker Baylon Spector, who is expected to make his first career start. The coaching staff has expressed confidence in Spector’s ability to command the defense and maintain the high level of communication required from the MIKE linebacker spot.
“There was a few weeks there where [Bernard] was out … so I thought [Spector] did a real nice job for us, leading the defense, the communication piece that goes with that middle linebacker position,
Head coach Sean McDermott on Spector’s previous experience filling in for Bernard
Additional Injury Woes
The Bills’ injury report also revealed that wide receiver Curtis Samuel and rookie defensive tackle DeWayne Carter will miss Sunday’s game. Samuel is dealing with a pectoral injury that McDermott believes will not require a trip to injured reserve, while Carter is set to undergo wrist surgery that will likely send him to IR for multiple weeks.
The loss of Carter, who has provided valuable depth along the defensive line and even started two games earlier this season, further depletes a Bills front seven that has been bitten by the injury bug. Defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier will need to get creative with his personnel groupings and play-calling to generate pressure on Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith.
Looking Ahead
With a crucial stretch of games on the horizon, including a Week 9 showdown against the Aaron Rodgers-led Green Bay Packers, the Bills can ill afford to be without key contributors for an extended period. The team’s depth will be tested as they navigate the challenges posed by a formidable slate of opponents.
As kickoff approaches, all eyes will be on how the Bills’ defense responds to the absence of their defensive signal-caller. Can Baylon Spector rise to the occasion and help lead Buffalo to a crucial home victory? The answer to that question may very well determine the trajectory of their season.
