🏈 Week 13 Injury Report: Bills vs. Steelers — What to Know Before Kickoff
As the NFL world turns its eyes to Pittsburgh this Sunday for Week 13’s showdown between the Buffalo Bills and the Pittsburgh Steelers, both squads enter with uneven health status — a factor that could heavily influence the outcome.
🔶 Steelers’ Health: Some Big Losses, but Core Returns
The Steelers will be without a couple of key starters — most notably left tackle Broderick Jones, who has been placed on injured reserve with a neck injury suffered last week. He’s expected to miss at least four games, which is a major blow to Pittsburgh’s offensive line stability.
Defensive tackle Derrick Harmon is also ruled out due to a knee issue. To compensate, veteran Andrus Peat — usually a guard — will slot in at left tackle. Adding to the shuffle, cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. has been elevated from the practice squad to bolster the secondary.
Despite the roster turbulence, there is a silver lining for the Steelers: veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers — who missed last week’s loss to the Bears — is cleared to start and reportedly took full practice snaps this week. Coaches appear confident, labeling him “all systems go.”
🔸 Bills’ Situation: Injury Trouble in the Trenches and at Skill Positions
For the Bills, the pain points are perhaps more severe. Both starting offensive tackles — Dion Dawkins (concussion) and Spencer Brown (shoulder) — are ruled out for Sunday’s game. That leaves the team’s prized quarterback exposed against what remains a dangerous Steelers pass rush.
Buffalo’s linebacker Terrel Bernard and wide receiver Curtis Samuel are also out — Samuel placed on injured reserve with elbow/knee issues. Meanwhile, WR Joshua Palmer (ankle) and TE Dalton Kincaid (hamstring) remain questionable after limited practices.
To fill the roster gaps, the Bills reportedly have promoted WR Gabe Davis from the practice squad, and could activate OT Tylan Grable to help with the offensive line — though it remains to be seen how effective these replacements will be under pressure.
🔎 What This Means for Sunday’s Matchup
- Quarterback pressure & pass-rush advantage for Pittsburgh: Without their starting tackles, Buffalo’s protection of QB Josh Allen will be severely compromised. Meanwhile, Steelers defensive front — even missing Harmon — still poses a threat to exploit the weakened Bills O-line.
- Potential shift to run-first / quick-pass game plan for Buffalo: Expect Buffalo to rely more heavily on the run game and shorter, safer throws to avoid costly sacks or turnovers.
- Steelers’ offensive adjustment watching: With Peat in at LT, the question becomes how quickly he gels with the line and protects Rodgers’ blind side — any breakdown could shift momentum.
- Secondary boost for Pittsburgh: The addition of Samuel Jr. could help shore up a defense that’s struggled in recent weeks, especially against the pass.
✅ Final Thought
This Week 13 clash won’t solely be decided by star power — it will likely be shaped by who adapts better to adversity. With the Bills limping into Pittsburgh, the Steelers have a real opportunity to capitalize on weakened fronts on both sides of the ball. However, if Josh Allen and Buffalo’s backups rise to the occasion, or if Peat stumbles protecting Rodgers, this game could still turn into a wild card.
Fans, fantasy players, and bettors — all eyes should be on the injury reports come Sunday. It’s not just a game anymore — it’s a test of depth, resilience, and adaptation under pressure.
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