Bills Face Injury Challenges Ahead of AFC Title Game Against Chiefs

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — The Buffalo Bills are navigating key injury concerns as they prepare to face the Kansas City Chiefs in Sunday’s AFC Championship Game at Arrowhead Stadium. Left tackle Dion Dawkins returned to full practice Thursday after missing Wednesday’s session due to illness, but safety Taylor Rapp remained sidelined with back and hip injuries.

Rapp’s absence could force the Bills to rely on rookie defensive back Cole Bishop, who saw significant playing time in last week’s divisional-round win against the Baltimore Ravens. Bishop recorded three combined tackles in that game but has struggled in pass coverage during the regular season, allowing an 18-of-25 completion rate and a 127.4 passer rating when targeted.

Meanwhile, linebacker Matt Milano (hamstring) and cornerback Christian Benford (concussion) were limited in practice for the second straight day. Cornerback Taron Johnson (neck, shoulder) also returned to limited participation after being listed as a full participant on Wednesday.

The Chiefs, on the other hand, enter the game at full strength, a rarity for this stage of the season. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who threw for 196 yards and three touchdowns in their last meeting with the Bills, will look to avenge Kansas City’s 30-21 loss in Week 5. That game ended the Chiefs’ undefeated streak, with Josh Allen posting 317 total yards and two touchdowns for Buffalo.

Defensive performance could prove decisive in Sunday’s matchup. The Bills’ secondary, already dealing with injuries, will face a potent Chiefs offense featuring Travis Kelce and speedy receivers Xavier Worthy and Hollywood Brown. Mahomes and head coach Andy Reid are likely to test Bishop’s coverage skills early and often.

Buffalo’s defense will also need to contain Mahomes’ ability to extend plays and create opportunities downfield. In their previous meeting, Mahomes threw two interceptions, a factor that could tilt the game in Buffalo’s favor if repeated.

The Bills and Chiefs have developed one of the NFL’s most intense rivalries in recent years, with both teams vying for a spot in Super Bowl LIX. Sunday’s game marks their third postseason meeting in the last five years, with each team claiming one victory.

Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. ET at Arrowhead Stadium, where the Chiefs hold a significant home-field advantage. The Bills, however, have shown resilience on the road, winning their last two playoff games away from Highmark Stadium.