The Buffalo Bills could have the AFC East slip away for the first time in six years this Sunday when they travel to Foxborough to take on the New England Patriots. New England and their MVP candidate quarterback Drake Maye sit at 11-2 and have already defeated the Bills once this season. With another win, they will clinch the AFC East.
The Bills haven't been swept by the Patriots since 2019. With a win, they will pull within one game of their division rivals and would remain alive in the division race. Recent developments surrounding a star defender, though, could make that job harder.
On Thursday, Matt Parrino reported that Christian Benford was wearing a boot on his left foot and that he is dealing with a toe injury.
"Bills cornerback Christian Benford was in a walking boot on his left foot in the locker room after practice on Thursday," Matt Parrino reports. "He was present and taking part in practice during media viewing early portion. He’s listed on today’s injury report with a toe injury and was limited."
On Friday, Parrino reports that Benford is not practicing and that his status for Sunday is unknown.
"Bills CB Christian Benford injured his toe during practice yesterday and is still dealing with it, per Sean McDermott on WGR550," Parrino reports on X. "He will not practice today and the team doesn’t know yet on his status for Sunday against the Patriots."
If there is a silver lining here and perhaps a sign of good news, Benford wasn't in a walking boot when spotted at practice by Jonathan Acosta.
"Caught a quick glimpse of Bills CB Christian Benford (toe) today at practice," Acosta reports on X. "No medical boot/shoe on his left foot. Benford is not practicing today after injuring his toe yesterday in practice and his status is up in the air for Sunday vs. The Patriots."
Benford has been the Bills' best defender by a mile this season, specifically over the last two games where he has been unstoppable. He had a scoop-and-score and an interception against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 13, and followed that up with a pick-six against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 14. If he cannot go on Sunday Buffalo will be relying heavily on Max Hairston and Tre'Davious White to limit Maye and the Patriots' passing attack.
More NFL News
Tom Brady reveals why he can't pull a Philip Rivers and play quarterback for Las Vegas Raiders
Giants linked to potentially franchise-tanking head coach hire
Buffalo Bills defensive star spotted in walking boot after surprise injury
Rams should closely monitor Joe Burrow situation after latest comments
Cam Newton angry at Colts for signing Philip Rivers instead of him