As the team turns its focus to a pivotal Week 2 matchup against the New York Jets, injury report revealed a mix of precautionary limitations and more concerning absences. Two key contributors — running back James Cook and defensive end Greg Rousseau — were limited participants in practice. While neither appears to be dealing with anything severe at this stage, their workloads were clearly managed as the team eases into its game prep.
James Cook, coming off a solid performance in Week 1, was present but not fully active during drills. His limited status could simply be precautionary, a common approach for skill-position players who take on a heavy workload during games. The team will likely monitor his status closely throughout the week, but there doesn’t seem to be immediate concern about his availability for Sunday’s game at this point.
Greg Rousseau, one of the team’s most impactful edge defenders, was also listed as limited. Defensive linemen often deal with lingering soreness or minor knocks after games, so it’s not unusual to see a starter eased back into practice early in the week. His presence, even in a limited role, suggests he’s on track but may be getting some additional rest to ensure he’s fully ready for the physical Jets offensive line.
More concerning were the absences of linebacker Shaq Thompson and cornerback Taron Johnson, both of whom did not participate in any part of practice. Johnson, a critical piece of the secondary — especially against a Jets team with multiple receiving threats — will be someone to watch closely in the coming days. Shaq Thompson’s absence is also notable, as he plays a vital role in both run defense and pass coverage. The team has yet to specify the nature of their injuries or whether their status is tied to anything long-term.
As the week progresses, the team will likely provide further updates on all four players. Practices will offer more insight into who’s trending toward suiting up on Sunday. With a divisional game on the horizon and little room for error in the AFC East, the health of these starters could play a significant role in the outcome against a tough Jets squad.
The Buffalo Bills’ preparation for a critical Week 2 AFC East showdown against the New York Jets has begun under the shadow of a significant injury report, headlined by key absences on the defensive side of the ball.
The team’s first official injury report of the week, released revealed that two defensive starters did not participate in practice. Nickel cornerback Taron Johnson (quad) and veteran linebacker Shaq Thompson (hamstring/hand) were both listed as DNP (Did Not Participate).
Johnson’s potential absence would be a major blow to the Bills’ secondary. As the starting slot corner, his role in containing the Jets’ receivers, including standout Garrett Wilson, is considered vital. Thompson, a newly signed leader for the linebacker corps, is also a crucial piece of the defensive puzzle.
“Next man up,” Head Coach Sean McDermott said when asked about dealing with early-season injuries. “It’s a long season, and we have confidence in the depth we’ve built. We’ll see how the week progresses and make decisions based on what’s best for the player and the team.”
The report wasn’t all concerning news for the Bills. Several players were limited participants but are considered likely to suit up on. This group includes starting running back James Cook (hamstring), defensive end Greg Rousseau (knee), and cornerback Tre’Davious White (groin). White’s limited status is believed to be part of a managed plan for his return from last year’s Achilles injury.
In positive news, starting cornerback Christian Benford and rookie wide receiver Keon Coleman were full participants despite being listed with groin injuries, indicating the issues are minor.
The final injury report and official game status designations (Questionable, Doubtful, Out) will be released Friday afternoon, providing a clearer picture of who will be available for the prime-time divisional clash.
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