Copyright Heavy.
The Buffalo Bills are looking to claw their way back to the top of the AFC East, starting with a divisional matchup against the struggling Miami Dolphins on Saturday. The Bills may need to face their rival without a key player, however, after cornerback Christian Benford hitting a setback in his return from a groin injury. The Bills have been hit hard by injuries on their defense and will already be without two key players, with Benford now in danger of missing the game as well. Bills Dealt ‘Disappointing’ Setback on Christian Benford Benford appeared to be trending in a good direction earlier in the week as he was able to practice on a limited basis, but SI.com’s Ralph Ventre noted that he got some bad news on Thursday. Ventre noted that Benford has been dealing with the groin injury for most of the season, playing through the discomfort to start the year. “It’s worth noting that the starting CB was on the injury report with a groin injury heading into the season opener in September, but he’s played in all eight games thus far,” Ventre wrote. “Should Benford be unavailable on Sunday, the Bills will presumably turn to first-round rookie Maxwell Hairston for the start.” The Bills could have faith in Hairston, who looked strong in the last two games after returning from a knee injury that had kept him off the field since training camp. Hairston intercepted Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes in the team’s win on Sunday as part of a strong defensive effort. After the game, Hairston said it felt good to play in front of the home fans for the first time in his career. “Yeah, first time playing here, man,” Hairston said, via AtoZ Sports. “I won’t lie, beginning of the game I was a little nervous. But I’m like, I’m here for a reason, Bills Mafia is the best, and I was happy to be able to play in front of them.” The Bills also have veteran Tre’Davious White, who could pick up more of the slack if Benford is unable to play. The Bills have been hit hard by injuries in the secondary, placing safeties Taylor Rapp and Damar Hamlin on injured reserve. The team also lost two key players on their defensive line, watching defensive tackle Ed Oliver go down with a torn bicep and then losing edge rusher Michael Hoecht to a torn Achilles. Bills Could Seize Opportunity in Division The Bills have already beaten the Miami Dolphins this season and will aim for a sweep in Sunday’s game in Miami. They will see a different Dolphins team, with Miami trading away edge rusher Jaelan Phillips ahead of this week’s trade deadline.
