The Buffalo Bills are set to face a formidable opponent as they meet the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium on January 7, 2025. The Bills are entering the AFC Wild Card Weekend with significant challenges, primarily due to injuries that could impact their performance against a Jaguars team that ended the regular season on an impressive eight-game winning streak.
Buffalo will be missing pivotal players in this crucial matchup. Rookie cornerback Max Hairston is sidelined due to an ankle injury sustained during the Bills’ Week 18 victory over the New York Jets. In his absence, veteran cornerback Dane Jackson will step up to provide depth. Additionally, linebacker Terrel Bernard will not play, as he continues to struggle with a calf injury that has plagued him throughout the season.
The Bills are also facing setbacks on the offensive side. Running back Ty Johnson was seen in a walking boot as he entered the stadium, indicating that his ankle injury will prevent him from participating. This leaves Frank Gore Jr. to take on the role of the team’s third-string running back, supporting starters James Cook and Ray Davis.
The inactive list for the Bills includes:
– CB Max Hairston
– LB Terrel Bernard
– RB Ty Johnson
– S Darnell Savage
– OL Tylann Grable
– TE Keleki Latu
– DT Larry Ogunjobi
In contrast, the Jaguars have a healthier roster heading into this playoff game. Although offensive lineman Cole Van Lanen was initially listed as questionable due to a knee injury, he was ruled out after an extensive workout on the day of the game. Van Lanen had been instrumental since taking over as the team’s left tackle in Week 13, boasting a remarkable 92% pass block win rate.
To fill the gap left by Van Lanen, offensive lineman Walker Little is expected to transition from guard to tackle, a move that highlights the significance of Van Lanen’s absence for Jacksonville.
The Jaguars’ inactive list features:
– OL Cole Van Lanen
– RB DeeJay Dallas
– WR Dyami Brown
– TE Hunter Long
– DL Emmanuel Ogbah
– DT Maason Smith
As the Bills prepare to take on the Jaguars, the outcome is uncertain. Buffalo’s injury challenges may hinder their ability to advance, while Jacksonville seeks to capitalize on their current momentum. Fans will be eagerly watching to see how these changes will affect the teams’ dynamics in this vital playoff encounter.
