The Buffalo Bills were back practicing on Friday ahead of their Week 16 road game against the Cleveland Browns. After a concerning injury report on Thursday, the news on the final day of practice this week was encouraging.
The biggest news is that tight end Dalton Kincaid was back on the field as a full participant on Friday, just a day after being listed as “DNP.” In other words, Kincaid should be good to go on Sunday. The “DNP” designation out of Thursday’s session gave rise to some concern, but
it appears much of the framework for it comes out of an abundance of caution by One Bills Drive. It’s wise to expect that if Kincaid feels any bit of discomfort or simply feels off regarding the knee, that the team will hold him out of contact practices the rest of this season.
As shared by ESPN Bills beat reporter Alaina Getzenberg, head coach Sean McDermott explained that “Kincaid’s knee injury did not experience a setback, but the team is managing the same injury.” McDermott also added that while Kincaid isn’t a lock for Sunday, it’s “certainly trending that way.”
Kincaid was one of three players who returned in full on Friday, with left tackle Dion Dawkins (illness) and cornerback Christian Benford (toe) the others.
As for those players sidelined for Friday’s practice session, both cornerback Taron Johnson (quad) and defensive tackle DaQuan Jones (calf) appear to have been given vet rest days. Three players who didn’t practice on Friday have been ruled out for Week 16. That list includes defensive tackle Jordan Phillips, kicker Matt Prater, and offensive tackle Chase Lundt.
Regarding Lundt, he has been placed on Injured Reserve, which now opens the door for Buffalo to bring wide receiver Mecole Hardman Jr. (questionable) or even newly signed edge rusher Matthew Judon up from the practice squad. However, with defensive back Cam Lewis also listed as questionable for Sunday, the Bills may opt to wait and see where numbers are most needed against the Browns.
If the move is to promote Hardman to the active roster, Buffalo must do so by 4 p.m. EST on Saturday if he’s part of game-day plans.
