Terrel Bernard exited Buffalo’s win on Thursday evening, and he’s now set to overlook a number of video games. The third-year linebacker averted the worst-case state of affairs, nevertheless.
Bernard’s pectoral harm has confirmed to be a pressure somewhat than a full tear after additional testing, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports. In consequence, the 25-year-old is dealing with a restoration timeline of roughly one month. Whereas that represents optimistic information in a single sense, it makes Bernard a candidate for injured reserve and leaves Buffalo’s linebacking corps even thinner in the meanwhile.
Matt Milano suffered a biceps tear one month in the past, sidelining him indefinitely. The All-Professional hopes to return sooner or later through the yr, however being with out him (particularly after he missed a lot of 2023) constitutes a notable problem for the Payments’ second degree. Bernard was set to stay a key determine on protection after he logged a full-time beginning position final yr and picked up 143 tackles. The previous third-rounder will miss a minimal of 4 weeks if he’s positioned on IR, although.
2022 seventh-round choice Baylon Spector stepped in for Bernard on Thursday and picked up 10 tackles. Spector totaled solely 15 appearances throughout his first two seasons within the league, taking part in totally on particular groups. A significant uptick in taking part in time could possibly be in retailer for the Clemson product over the approaching weeks with Bernard on the mend because the Payments kind out their remaining linebacker choices.
The staff additionally has 2023 third-rounder Dorian Williams in place; he began solely two video games as a rookie however has already matched that complete this season. Williams has seen a 77% defensive snap share to date in 2024, a steep improve from his workload final yr. With Milano (who was designated for return throughout roster cutdowns) and now Bernard out of the image, Buffalo will rely extra on Williams, Spector and the likes of Nicholas Morrow, Edefuan Ulofoshio and Joe Andreessen on the LB place.