Damar Hamlin Injury History & Analysis

A number of safeties have snagged big contracts at the start of NFL free agency, but the Bills haven't chased those types. Instead, they're bringing 2024 starter Damar Hamlin back on a one-year deal and importing former Commanders S Darrick Forrest on a one-year deal. There's obviously plenty of time for more moves -- including the NFL Draft -- but Buffalo might simply be setting up competition for the spot next to Taylor Rapp.

The Bills have already ruled LB Terrel Bernard out for Sunday's game at New England. He's officially dealing with quad injury, and HC Sean McDermott has deemed him "probably somewhere between day to day and week to week." The coach had already indicated that his team will rest at least some starters for its meaningless finale.

Bills inactives vs. New England today include S Taylor Rapp (neck), S Damar Hamlin (rib), CB Rasul Douglas (knee), and LB Matt Milano (groin). Milano's absence should mean a start for LB Dorian Williams, who was questionable with an elbow injury but is active. He carries big tackle upside into the role he played before Milano's return. Buffalo started S Cam Lewis, CB Kaiir Elam and S Cole Bishop with the same secondary trio out last week. None supplied big numbers despite a huge-volume passing day for the Lions in that one. None is probably worth attention for your Week 16 IDP lineup.