BUFFALO BILLS INJURY UPDATE: KINCAID RETURNS (LIMITED), MILANO AND SANDERS RULED OUT — A TEAM AT THE CROSSROADS – H

tienmusic3 · October 10, 2025

In Orchard Park this morning, the chill in the air wasn’t just from the October wind — it was from uncertainty. The Buffalo Bills walked into practice with a mix of relief and concern, as tight end Dalton Kincaid was finally spotted on the field again, sporting a red non-contact jersey, signaling a step forward in his recovery.

For Bills fans, it was a sight for sore eyes. Kincaid — one of Buffalo’s most dynamic young weapons — hasn’t seen much game action since sustaining his upper-body injury in Week 4. Seeing him back out there, even in a limited capacity, felt like a small victory amid a week clouded by bad news.

Head coach Sean McDermott confirmed during his morning presser that Kincaid would participate on a limited basis, noting that the team is “taking every precaution” with the second-year tight end. “Dalton’s been working extremely hard,” McDermott said. “We’ll monitor his workload and see how he responds. The goal is to have him trending upward as we move closer to game day.”

Kincaid’s return couldn’t come at a more critical time. The Bills’ offense has sputtered in recent weeks, struggling to find rhythm in red-zone situations and consistency in their passing game. With star receiver Stefon Diggs often facing double coverage, Kincaid’s versatility as both a seam threat and possession target could reignite some much-needed creativity in Josh Allen’s playbook.

“Dalton gives us options,” offensive coordinator Joe Brady said. “He opens up the middle of the field. He’s a matchup problem — and when he’s in rhythm, our offense looks different.”

But while the sight of Kincaid jogging routes lifted spirits, the rest of McDermott’s injury report landed like a punch to the gut.

DEFENSIVE WOES: MILANO, SANDERS RULED OUT

Veteran linebacker Matt Milano and defensive tackle TJ Sanders have both been ruled out for Thursday’s practice — and likely for the team’s upcoming matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs this weekend.

Milano, one of Buffalo’s emotional leaders and most consistent defenders, continues to recover from a nagging knee issue that’s kept him sidelined for much of the season. The Bills’ defense simply hasn’t looked the same without him.

“Matt brings a certain edge to our defense,” said safety Jordan Poyer. “He’s the voice in the huddle, the one who keeps everyone in line. When he’s not there, you feel it — not just on the field, but in the energy.”

Meanwhile, rookie defensive tackle TJ Sanders, who has shown flashes of promise, is dealing with a lower-body strain. While not considered a long-term concern, his absence further thins an already depleted defensive line that has struggled to stop the run in recent weeks.

The timing couldn’t be worse. The Bills are about to face a Kansas City offense that’s rediscovering its rhythm behind Patrick Mahomes and Isiah Pacheco, with Travis Kelce looking as sharp as ever. Without Milano’s instincts in coverage and Sanders’ interior presence, Buffalo’s defense faces a monumental challenge trying to contain Mahomes’ surgical playmaking.

A TEAM WALKING A TIGHTROPE

Injuries have become an all-too-familiar storyline for Buffalo this season. From key defensive starters to offensive linemen, the Bills have seen their depth tested week after week.

And yet — somehow — this team still finds ways to stay competitive. McDermott’s “next man up” mentality has kept Buffalo afloat, but with each passing week, the margin for error shrinks.

“You can’t replace guys like Milano or DaQuan Jones,” McDermott admitted. “But you can prepare the next man to step up with the same level of accountability. That’s what we focus on — process, not panic.”

The Bills enter this weekend sitting precariously in the AFC standings, with a 3–2 record that feels more fragile than it looks. Every game matters now, especially in a conference where teams like the Ravens, Dolphins, and Chiefs show no signs of slowing down.

ALL EYES ON ALLEN AND KINCAID

With Kincaid back — even in limited fashion — the attention now shifts to Josh Allen. The star quarterback has carried much of the offensive load, often forcing plays in high-pressure moments. Getting Kincaid back into the mix could be the key to restoring balance.

“Kincaid’s one of those players who makes everyone better,” Allen said after practice. “He sees the field differently. He’s got great instincts — and when he’s healthy, he gives defenses another thing to think about.”

Fans remember how electric the Allen-Kincaid connection looked early in the season — quick reads, precision routes, soft hands in traffic. If that chemistry reignites, the Bills might finally find their offensive identity again.

Still, as Allen knows better than anyone, “limited” participation doesn’t guarantee a Sunday start. Kincaid will need to pass through the final stages of medical clearance before being activated, and the Bills medical staff won’t rush it.

LOOKING AHEAD

As Buffalo prepares for the Chiefs, the stakes couldn’t be higher. A win keeps them in the playoff conversation — a loss could deepen the cracks already showing beneath the surface.

For now, fans cling to the image of Kincaid jogging routes in that red jersey, a symbol of hope amid the uncertainty. The Bills’ path forward will demand resilience, adaptability, and a little bit of faith.

Because in the NFL, hope often starts with a single step — even if it’s taken carefully, in a red non-contact jersey.

📍 Official Practice Update:

  • Dalton Kincaid (TE) — Limited (red non-contact jersey)

  • Matt Milano (LB) — Out (knee)

  • TJ Sanders (DT) — Out (lower body)

Next Practice: Friday, 10 AM EST.

Next Game: Bills @ Chiefs — Sunday, 4:25 PM ET (CBS)

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