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Bills get caught up on Dion Dawkins injury news.
The Buffalo Bills got some injury news to several key starters ahead of their Week 9 game against the Minnesota Vikings.
Buffalo began practice Thursday for their Monday Night game, and several starting offensive linemen were notably absent from practice.
The Bills are coming off a blowout win over the Baltimore Ravens to improve to 6-1.
Buffalo Bills Dealing With O-Line Injuries
The Bills had their first practice Thursday, and the injury list is long.
Not only did Buffalo have multiple players listed on the injury report, but the team had two starting offensive linemen sitting out practice due to injuries. Another is limited, which causes some concern.
According to Bills reporter Jon Scott, starting left tackle Dion Dawkins did not practice, along with starting left guard Alec Anderson. Right tackle Spencer Brown was limited after missing last week’s game against the Ravens with an injury.
“Dion Dawkins is missing practice today with a rib injury. Alec Anderson is missing with an ankle injury – he wore a boot after Sunday’s game. Spencer Brown is limited after missing last game with a back injury. Paper money offensive line banged up ahead of MNF,” Scott wrote in X.
Buffalo potentially losing three starting offensive linemen against the Vikings’ defense is a big concern. However, it’s only the first day of practice, so there’s plenty of time for the offensive lineman to get healthier and adjust on Monday.
Minnesota’s defense is one of the best in the NFL, and quarterback Brian Flores isn’t afraid to call blitzes. If Buffalo has to start three backup offensive linemen, Josh Allen will be forced to use his legs to scramble and make plays from the pocket.
Buffalo Prepares for ‘Great’ Vikings Defense
The Bills began preparing for the Vikings, and the focus was on Minnesota’s defense.
Minnesota is led by its defense, and they can force turnovers, which the Bills must guard against.
“Obviously, it’s a good defense,” Bills offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael said. “It’s been a lot of challenges for us, but I think our communication in preparation this week has been really strong starting with (Assistant Offensive Line coach) Austin (Gund) and kind of going through all of those things. I think overall, not only the quarterback, but our offensive line has done a great job of communicating and making sure we’re all on the same page.”
Buffalo entered the game as a 3-point favorite.
Cole Shelton Cole Shelton covers the NHL, MLB, Buffalo Bills, Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns for Heavy.com. He has covered pro and college sports since 2016, including bylines on BJ Penn, USA Today, SB Nation, Rotowire, Canadian Baseball Network and more. More about Cole Shelton