The Buffalo Bills suffered a potentially significant injury during Monday’s first-round playoff win over the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Terrel Bernard got carted off the field in the third quarter and missed the rest of the game. The starting linebacker got hurt while tackling Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson.
Bernard appears to have avoided the worst-case scenario. Per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Bills believe he suffered an ankle sprain.
X-rays returned negative, but he’s scheduled to undergo an MRI on Tuesday.
#Bills star LB Terrel Bernard, who has emerged as one of their top defenders, has what is believed to be an ankle sprain, source said. X-Rays were negative, MRI tomorrow.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 16, 2024
After Tremaine Edmunds left in free agency, Bernard became a linchpin of Buffalo’s defense. The former third-round pick collected 143 tackles, 6.5 sacks, three interceptions, and three fumble recoveries during his second season.
He recorded two pass breakups before exiting Monday’s game at Highmark Stadium.
A Buffalo defense already missing stars Matt Milano and Tre’Davious White continues to get decimated by injuries. Rasul Douglas, Tyrel Dodson, and Taylor Rapp all missed Monday’s game, and Baylon Spector, Taron Johnson, and Christian Benford left early.
They still managed to contain the Steelers to 324 total yards with two takeaways. However, they’ll go from facing Mason Rudolph to hosting Patrick Mahomes.
While Bernard may not have suffered a significant injury, his status remains in question for Sunday’s AFC Divisional Round matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. Bills head coach Sean McDermott didn’t provide any updates after the game.