The Buffalo Bills officially ruled out four starters on Friday ahead of their Sunday showdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers, delivering a significant blow to an offensive line already under scrutiny.
Left tackle Dion Dawkins (concussion), right tackle Spencer Brown (shoulder), linebacker Terrel Bernard, and wide receiver Curtis Samuel will all miss the game, leaving Buffalo without both starting bookend tackles for the first time in recent memory.
Dawkins, a 6-5, 320-pound Pro Bowler drafted 63rd overall by the Bills in 2017, has served as the cornerstone of the left side for nearly a decade, playing a pivotal role in both pass protection and Buffalo’s ground attack.
Spencer Brown, the towering 6-8 former third-round selection, has been the primary right tackle since 2021 and consistently ranks among the team leaders in offensive snaps.
The simultaneous absence of both starters is especially alarming after the Bills surrendered eight sacks to the Houston Texans earlier this season despite having Dawkins and Brown on the field.
Quarterback Josh Allen, who heads into Week 13 with 2,709 passing yards, 18 touchdown throws, nine interceptions, 371 rushing yards, and 10 rushing touchdowns, will now operate behind a heavily depleted front.
Running back James Cook has also been enjoying a breakout campaign, already accumulating 1,084 rushing yards and eight scores on the ground plus 203 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown—with six regular-season games still to play.
Much of the success for both Allen and Cook this year has stemmed from the stability provided by Dawkins and Brown up front.
Facing a Pittsburgh defense capable of generating pressure and creating turnovers, Buffalo’s reliance on quick throws, rollouts, and designed movement will be put to the ultimate test.
Stepping in at one tackle spot is expected to be reserve Ryan Van Demark, while rookie Tylan Grable could be activated from injured reserve to help. If Grable is not cleared, the load may shift to sixth-round pick Chase Lundt.
Adding to the uncertainty, wide receiver Josh Palmer (ankle) and tight end Dalton Kincaid (hamstring) are both listed as questionable after being limited in Friday’s practice.
At 7-4, the Bills remain in the thick of the AFC East race and the broader playoff picture, making this road contest against the Steelers essentially a must-win to preserve momentum and keep alive realistic hopes of earning a home playoff game.
Any prolonged failure to keep Allen upright could have ripple effects on Buffalo’s January prospects, fuel questions about the coaching staff’s preparation, and shape how the organization’s decision-makers are judged when the offseason arrives.
