Sean McDermott Addresses Injuries for the Buffalo Bills

With the Buffalo Bills in the thick of an AFC playoff push and critical matchups against the Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots looming, head coach Sean McDermott took center stage this week to address the team’s injury status—providing clarity on key players while balancing transparency with the caution that has defined his approach to player health. McDermott’s weekly press conference on Wednesday served as a focal point for Bills fans and analysts alike, who sought updates on injuries ranging from Dion Dawkins’ concussion to minor tweaks affecting role players. His remarks not only offered insight into the team’s current health but also reinforced the Bills’ commitment to prioritizing long-term player well-being over short-term wins. Sean McDermott Addresses Injuries for the Buffalo Bills breaks down his key statements, the tone of his communication, how he addressed uncertainty, and what his updates mean for the Bills’ stretch run.

Sean McDermott Addresses Injuries for the Buffalo Bills opened with his most pressing update: left tackle Dion Dawkins’ status after entering concussion protocol last week. McDermott, who rarely deviates from the NFL’s protocol guidelines, was clear about the process while avoiding concrete timelines. “Dion is progressing through the protocol, and that’s really all I can say right now,” he explained, pausing to emphasize the medical staff’s authority. “Our trainers and the independent consultants are leading this—they’ll let us know when he’s cleared. We won’t rush him; that’s non-negotiable.” He acknowledged the impact of Dawkins’ potential absence, calling him “a cornerstone of our offense,” but quickly shifted to confidence in the team’s depth. “Ryan Van Demark and Spencer Brown have put in the work, and we trust them to step up if needed. That’s what we build this team for—next man up.” McDermott also addressed a minor knee tweak for running back James Cook, noting Cook practiced on a limited basis and is “day-to-day but trending in the right direction.”

To understand the context of Sean McDermott Addresses Injuries for the Buffalo Bills, it’s essential to recognize his consistent communication style—one that blends honesty with restraint to avoid overpromising or undermining the medical process. Unlike some NFL coaches who deflect or downplay injuries, McDermott chooses to acknowledge concerns directly while framing updates around “process” rather than predictions. For example, when asked about backup quarterback Blaine Gabbert’s shoulder soreness (which kept him out of last week’s practice), McDermott said, “Blaine is feeling better, but we’re not going to commit to his availability yet. We’ll see how he responds to practice Thursday and Friday.” This approach avoids setting false expectations for fans while keeping the team’s opponents guessing—a strategic balance that has served the Bills well during playoff pushes. McDermott also took time to explain the “why” behind his caution, referencing the NFL’s focus on player safety. “We have a responsibility to these men—not just as football players, but as husbands, fathers, and sons,” he said. “Taking shortcuts on injuries isn’t just bad football; it’s bad leadership.”

Sean McDermott Addresses Injuries for the Buffalo Bills also included updates on less high-profile players who still play critical roles in the Bills’ success—reinforcing McDermott’s focus on the entire roster, not just stars. He confirmed that defensive end AJ Epenesa (ankle) and cornerback Christian Benford (hamstring) have returned to full practice, a boost for a defense that ranks 4th in the NFL in points allowed. “AJ and Christian are important pieces of our D-line and secondary, respectively,” McDermott said. “Having them back healthy gives us more flexibility in our game plans.” He also noted that rookie wide receiver Khalil Shakir (ribs) is “close to returning” but will not practice this week, a sign the Bills are erring on the side of caution with younger players. For the Buffalo Bills, these updates matter because depth will be critical in the playoffs—where injuries to role players can derail a team as quickly as injuries to stars. McDermott’s willingness to highlight these players also sends a message to the locker room: every member of the team is valued, and their health matters. “We don’t have ‘star players’ and ‘role players’—we have teammates,” McDermott said. “Their health is our priority, across the board.”

Another layer of Sean McDermott Addresses Injuries for the Buffalo Bills is how his remarks align with the team’s long-standing health philosophy—a philosophy that has built trust with players and fans alike. Since taking over as head coach in 2017, McDermott has prioritized “sustainability” over short-term gains, often resting key players in meaningless late-season games and following concussion protocols to the letter. This approach was on full display in his comments about Dawkins, as he repeatedly deferred to the medical staff and rejected the idea of “gambling” on a player’s health for a single game. “We’ve seen teams rush players back and regret it—we’re not going to be one of those teams,” he said. “If Dion isn’t 100%, he won’t play. That’s our standard.” For the Buffalo Bills, this philosophy has paid off: the team has avoided major long-term injuries to key players in recent seasons, and players have spoken publicly about their trust in McDermott’s leadership. “Coach McDermott has our backs,” defensive tackle Ed Oliver said in a recent interview. “When he says he won’t rush us back, we believe him. That makes you want to play harder for him.”

The final dimension of Sean McDermott Addresses Injuries for the Buffalo Bills is how his updates shape the Bills’ playoff strategy—and how they’re received by fans and analysts. By confirming Epenesa and Benford’s return, McDermott signaled that the Bills’ defense will be close to full strength for Sunday’s game against the Dolphins, a critical matchup for AFC East supremacy. His caution on Dawkins and Shakir, meanwhile, allows offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey to adjust game plans early—potentially leaning more on two-tight end sets or quick passes to limit the impact of a backup left tackle. Fans, for their part, have largely embraced McDermott’s transparency, with many taking to social media to praise his focus on player safety. “I’d rather lose a game than lose Dion long-term,” one fan tweeted. “Coach McDermott gets it.” Analysts, too, have noted that McDermott’s approach is a winning one—citing the Bills’ consistent playoff appearances as evidence that prioritizing health leads to sustained success. For the Buffalo Bills, McDermott’s injury updates are more than just press conference talking points—they’re a reflection of the team’s values. As the Bills head into the final weeks of the regular season, one thing is clear: their coach’s commitment to health and honesty will be just as important as their talent on the field. “We’re built to win the right way,” McDermott said. “That means taking care of our players, being honest with our fans, and competing our tails off every Sunday. That’s not going to change.”