The Buffalo Bills are facing a tough challenge ahead of their AFC Championship showdown with the Kansas City Chiefs this Sunday at Arrowhead Stadium.
Head coach Sean McDermott confirmed on Friday that safety Taylor Rapp will not be playing, a significant loss for the Bills defense.
This leaves rookie Cole Bishop in line to start in Rapp’s place as the Bills look to secure a spot in the Super Bowl.
Rapp’s Injury and Bills’ Defensive Setback
Rapp’s injury occurred during last Sunday’s AFC Divisional Round game against the Baltimore Ravens, where he suffered a hip injury while attempting to tackle quarterback Lamar Jackson.
The collision with teammate Damar Hamlin caused Rapp to jam his hip, leading to him being carted off the field and not returning to the game.
Now, with the AFC Championship on the line, Rapp will miss the crucial matchup with the Chiefs.
A Glimmer of Hope for the Bills: Milano and Benford Updates
Despite Rapp’s absence, there is some positive news for the Bills defense.
Linebacker Matt Milano, who has been dealing with a sore hamstring, is expected to fully participate in practice on Friday, according to McDermott.
However, cornerback Christian Benford remains in concussion protocol following the win against the Ravens.
Benford was also excused from Friday’s practice due to a personal matter.
Chiefs’ Health Status Still Unclear
As the Bills adjust to their injury situation, the Kansas City Chiefs have yet to provide updates on their roster health.
However, the Chiefs had all players participating in Thursday’s practice, so the status of their key players remains to be seen as the teams prepare for their high-stakes clash.
Super Bowl Dreams on the Line for Both Teams
This Sunday’s game will determine who advances to the Super Bowl in New Orleans on February 9, where the winner will face either the Philadelphia Eagles or the Washington Commanders.
For the Bills, overcoming the loss of Rapp and ensuring key players like Milano and Benford are ready will be essential as they look to dethrone the reigning Super Bowl champions.
This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!
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