Bills WR Palmer ruled out for wild-card game; Coleman to start against Jaguars
The Buffalo Bills will face the Jacksonville Jaguars in the wild-card round without wide receiver Joshua Palmer, who has been downgraded to out due to an ankle injury.
Why it matters: Palmer's absence could significantly impact the Bills' offensive strategy as they prepare for a crucial postseason matchup.
- With Palmer sidelined, the team will rely more heavily on second-year receiver Keon Coleman, who is expected to step in and contribute.
- Palmer's limited availability throughout the regular season—missing five games due to knee and ankle injuries—has already posed challenges for the Bills' passing game.
What's new: The Bills confirmed Palmer's status ahead of the playoff game, which comes after he missed practice all week.
- Initially listed as questionable, Palmer’s inability to practice indicates a serious issue with his ankle that has escalated quickly.
- Coach Sean McDermott expressed hope regarding Palmer's condition earlier in the week but ultimately ruled him out before the game.
What to watch: The performance of Keon Coleman will be critical as he adjusts to a larger role within the offense.
- Coleman has shown promise in previous matchups and will need to establish chemistry with quarterback Josh Allen to mitigate Palmer's absence.
- This shift could also lead to increased targets for other receivers and running backs in the Bills’ spread offense.
Yes, but: The Bills still have several key players listed as questionable, which adds an element of uncertainty heading into the game.
- Kicker Matt Prater is dealing with a right quad injury and may not be at full strength, potentially affecting special teams.
- Running back Ty Johnson also carries an ankle injury concern, while linebacker Shaq Thompson, despite being questionable due to a neck injury, is expected to be ready for action, according to McDermott.
The bottom line: The Bills are entering the playoffs under challenging circumstances, facing injuries that could influence their performance against the Jaguars.
- As they aim to leverage their offensive firepower, how they adapt to Palmer's absence and manage the health of other key players will be pivotal for their postseason success.
