The Buffalo Bills will be facing the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday without cornerback Taron Johnson and linebacker Terrel Bernard, as revealed by head coach Sean McDermott earlier this week. Johnson and Bernard were both absent during the Monday night game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, and unfortunately, their absence will continue for the upcoming matchup.
Johnson has been sidelined since injuring his forearm in the season opener against the Arizona Cardinals. Despite making progress in practice, both Johnson and Bernard are not yet prepared to make their return to the field. The target for their comeback is set for the Week 5 game against the Houston Texans on October 6.
In the absence of Bernard, Baylon Spector stepped up at middle linebacker in the previous game, while Dorian Williams took over at weakside linebacker. Cam Lewis filled in for Johnson in the slot position for the past two weeks. The adjustment in the lineup seemed to work in favor of the Bills, as they secured a decisive 47-10 victory over the Jaguars.
However, the win came at a cost as swing tackle Tylan Grable sustained a groin/core muscle injury during the game. McDermott confirmed that Grable will be out for “some time” due to the injury, adding to the challenges the Bills are facing in terms of player availability.
As the Bills prepare to take on a formidable opponent in the Ravens, the absence of key players like Johnson, Bernard, and Grable presents a significant hurdle for the team. McDermott and his coaching staff will need to make strategic decisions to overcome these setbacks and maintain their winning momentum in the upcoming games.
