The Buffalo Bills dismantled the Miami Dolphins on Thursday Night Football, as the defense took over and helped the Bills to a 31-10 final score. The night had a shadow cast over it when Dolphins’ quarterback Tua Tagovailoa suffered a concussion after a big hit from safety Damar Hamlin.
Read More: Bills’ Damar Hamlin Reacts to ‘Trauma’ of Being Involved in Tua Tagovailoa Concussion
The Dolphins weren’t the only team that saw one of their leaders exit the game, as Bills captain and linebacker Terrel Bernard exited the game early on and did not return. Head coach Sean McDermott offered a disappointing update on Bernard on Friday.
Tests showed that Bills LB Terrel Bernard strained his pectoral last night, but it is not considered a season-ending injury, per sources. Bernard could miss about a month and be an IR candidate.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 13, 2024
According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, “tests showed that Bills LB Terrel Bernard strained his pectoral last night, but it is not considered a season-ending injury, per sources. Bernard could miss about a month and be an IR candidate.”
Bernard was revealed to have strained his pectoral last night and could miss about a month. The initial reports indicated that he could land on IR, but head coach Sean McDermott offered a more positive take on the situation.
Sean McDermott says Terrel Bernard will be out ‘multiple weeks’ but is ‘hoping’ he won’t have to go on IR
“We’ll take it one day at a time”#BillsMafia @BuffaloPlus
— Dan Fetes (@danfetes) September 13, 2024
According to Dan Fetes via McDermott, Sean McDermott says Terrel Bernard will be out ‘multiple weeks’ but is ‘hoping’ he won’t have to go on IR. ‘We’ll take it one day at a time.’ “
Despite Bernard being targeted for IR, he might be able to avoid that route. Getting placed on IR would mean Bernard would have to miss four weeks. From McDermott, it appears they are hoping he will be ready within three weeks instead.
Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images
Bernard had a career year in 2023, bringing in a total of 143 tackles, 6.5 sacks, and three interceptions.
Despite his incredible season, Bernard was not named to the Pro Bowl. Entering the 2024, he was appointed a team captain. Losing Bernard will impact the defense tremendously, but they did just fine against the Dolphins on Thursday.
The Bills losing Bernard might lead to the team addressing the linebacker corps. Currently, they are thin at the position with Dorian Williams, Nicholas Morrow, and Baylon Spector.
Edefuan Ulofoshio, Joe Andreessen, and Matt Milano are all out currently, and now Bernard will be added to that list.
The good news is the Bills will be on a mini-bye week, as they will play their next game in 10 days. Buffalo’s next opponent is the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sept. 23.
They will have time time to address elevating some linebacker help from the practice squad and determine if more help will be needed via free agents and trades.