Bills rule out two key defensive starters ahead of crucial Bengals clash

The Buffalo Bills are entering one of the most critical moments of their 2025 NFL season as they prepare to face the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 14. Their emotional victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers seemed to signal a turning point, but the injury storm has not shown any sign of slowing down. On Friday morning, head coach Sean McDermott shocked fans when he officially ruled out two of the team’s most important defensive players ahead of a must win game.

Joey Bosa’s Sudden Absence Sends Shockwaves Through Bills Mafia

Star edge rusher Joey Bosa has been ruled out after suffering a hamstring injury in the win over the Steelers. This marks his first missed game of the season after starting all previous twelve. Bosa has been in elite form with 26 tackles, 5 sacks and an NFL leading 5 forced fumbles. Losing him strips the Bills of their most explosive playmaker on defense.

Terrel Bernard Out and Bills Defense Faces Major Crisis

Linebacker Terrel Bernard was also officially ruled out due to an elbow injury lingering from the loss to the Texans. Bernard has been the heart and signal caller of the defense, responsible for both adjusting formations and anchoring the run and pass defense. His absence leaves the Bills dangerously exposed against Joe Burrow and a surging Bengals offense.

Following the devastating update, head coach Sean McDermott issued a powerful message to rally both the locker room and the Bills fanbase.
"We lost two leaders on defense at the same time, but the spirit of the Buffalo Bills never breaks. This is the moment for the entire team to rise and fight for them. We will not back down from any challenge."
The quote immediately circulated across social media and lit a fire under the Bills community heading into the weekend.

Injury List Continues to Grow and Bills Face Mounting Pressure

The injury situation did not stop there. Additional updates from Friday’s practice include

• WR Joshua Palmer is doubtful after missing practice

The Bills enter their decisive matchup with the Bengals with a patched together roster and enormous pressure on their shoulders.

Bengals Are Dangerous Because Joe Burrow Is Heating Up at the Right Time

Despite a 4 to 8 record, Cincinnati has found new life behind Joe Burrow who recently led the team to a dominant win over the Baltimore Ravens. The Bengals remain in the playoff hunt and will approach this Bills matchup with full determination.

Can the Bills Survive the Injury Storm and Fight for Another Win

Losing both Bosa and Bernard severely weakens the Bills defense at the worst possible time. Still, the team rediscovered a winning formula against the Steelers by leaning heavily on the run game and controlling the tempo. If they can replicate that plan, the Bills still have a path to their second straight victory.

The road is steep, but the Bills remain determined to battle through adversity and keep their playoff hopes alive as the season enters its most crucial stretch.