Bills' 'key injury' trends toward Week 8 availability for sputtering offense

While any long-term injury to Kincaid would be a significant blow to Buffalo's offensive operations, the good news is that the tight end faces favorable odds to return in Week 8 against the Carolina Panthers. Spotted wearing a red non-contact jersey during practice, he was a limited participant three days in a row leading up to the Monday night inactive.

Officially listing Kincaid as questionable in Week 6, it's possible that the subsequent bye week played a factor in the Bills decision to sit their 2023 first-round pick. Instead of risking further aggravation in a non-conference game, Buffalo took the wise cautious approach, which gives Kincaid two weeks to heal.

As the Bills broke for their bye last Tuesday, head coach Sean McDermott labeled Kincaid as "day to day." His return instantly makes the offense more dangerous and unpredictable. He averages 14.4 yards per catch and has scored touchdowns in three of five games.

During the Week 6 setback, the Bills also lost wide receiver Joshua Palmer to an ankle injury. He's been subsequently classified as "week to week."

Although Bleacher Report failed to mention it, Buffalo has a seemingly more concerning injury on defense as defensive tackle DaQuan Jones "popped a calf" during October 13 pregame warmups. McDermott placed a "week to week" tag on Jones, who was billed as "probably our most proven or consistent defensive lineman to this point in the season."

It sounds like the Bills will be without Palmer and Jones the next time they take the field against the Carolina Panthers on October 26. Players deemed "week to week" have almost always missed their next game during McDermott's tenure.