The Buffalo Bills are set to take on the New England Patriots on November 5, 2023, but they will be without significant contributions from several key players. Notably, cornerback Christian Benford, who has recently excelled with two defensive touchdowns, has been declared inactive due to a toe injury sustained during practice. Benford’s absence is a considerable blow to the Bills’ defensive lineup as they seek to avenge their Week 5 loss to the Patriots.
Benford tested his injured toe prior to the game but ultimately could not participate. In his stead, first-round draft pick Max Hairston will take to the field as a starter alongside cornerback Tre’Davious White. Additionally, veteran Dane Jackson has been elevated from the practice squad to bolster the team’s depth in the secondary.
In a surprising turn of events, wide receiver Gabe Davis has also been listed as inactive. There was speculation that second-year receiver Keon Coleman might be the healthy scratch, but the team opted to keep Davis out of today’s lineup as Joshua Palmer returns from injury. Davis’s absence adds another layer of complexity as the Bills prepare for this crucial AFC East matchup.
The Bills’ full inactive list for the game includes:
– CB Christian Benford
– WR Gabe Davis
– OL Chase Lundt
– LB Terrel Bernard
– S Darnell Savage
– OT Tylan Grable
– DT Phidarian Mathis
Despite these setbacks, the Bills will welcome back offensive tackle Spencer Brown and defensive end Joey Bosa, both of whom are expected to make significant impacts on the game.
On the other side, the Patriots will also be missing key players, including outside linebacker Bradyn Swinson and quarterback Tommy DeVito, who is listed as the emergency third-string quarterback. Patriots captain Robert Spillane is active despite being questionable due to a foot injury.
As the Bills and Patriots prepare for kickoff, both teams are eager to establish dominance in the AFC East. The absence of Benford and Davis could significantly influence the dynamics of the game, particularly in a rivalry that has historically been tightly contested. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these roster changes affect the outcome on the field.
