The Buffalo Bills will take the field against the New England Patriots today, October 15, 2023, but they will do so without key cornerback Christian Benford and wide receiver Gabe Davis. Benford, who had been instrumental in the team’s defense with back-to-back weeks scoring a defensive touchdown, sustained a toe injury during practice on Thursday. After missing practice on Friday, he was listed as questionable for the match. Despite testing the toe pre-game, the decision was made for him to sit out.
In Benford’s absence, first-round draft pick Max Hairston will step in as a starter, positioned opposite fellow cornerback Tre’Davious White. To bolster the team’s defensive lineup, veteran Dane Jackson has been elevated from the practice squad.
While Benford’s absence was anticipated, the decision to make Gabe Davis inactive came as a surprise. Many expected that second-year receiver Keon Coleman would be the healthy scratch, but Davis found himself on the sidelines instead, making way for the return of Joshua Palmer to the lineup.
As the Bills prepare for this crucial AFC East matchup, they also welcome back offensive tackle Spencer Brown and defensive end Joey Bosa. These returns could provide a significant boost to the team as they aim to avenge their earlier loss to the Patriots this season.
The full list of inactives for the Bills includes:
– CB Christian Benford
– WR Gabe Davis
– OL Chase Lundt
– LB Terrel Bernard
– S Darnell Savage
– OT Tylan Grable
– DT Phidarian Mathis
On the other side, the Patriots have also announced their inactives for today’s game, which include:
– OLB Bradyn Swinson
– T Marcus Bryant
– DT Eric Gregory
– TE C.J. Dippre
– WR Efton Chism
– QB Tommy DeVito (Emergency 3rd QB)
Patriots’ captain Robert Spillane, who was listed as questionable due to a foot injury, is active and will contribute to New England’s defensive efforts.
Both teams are set for an important clash that could have significant implications for their standings in the AFC East. As the game unfolds, all eyes will be on how the Bills navigate the challenges posed by the Patriots without some of their key players.
