Buffalo Bills starting middle linebacker Terrel Bernard is sidelined indefinitely due to a pectoral injury, and coach Sean McDermott indicated on Friday that placing him on short-term injured reserve (IR) is still under consideration. This would sideline Bernard for at least four games. He was injured during a tackle in the first quarter of Buffalo’s 31-10 win over the Miami Dolphins on Thursday night and did not return.
Bernard’s absence adds to the Bills’ linebacker woes, as Matt Milano is already out until at least December with a torn left biceps. Dorian Williams, a second-year player, is currently filling in for Milano, while third-year linebacker Baylon Spector stepped in for Bernard. The team’s backup options include veteran Nicholas Morrow and undrafted rookie Joe Andreessen, with no linebackers on the practice squad.
McDermott also gave an update on nickel cornerback Taron Johnson, who is week-to-week with a right forearm injury sustained in the team’s season-opening 34-28 win against Arizona. Johnson is not expected to go on short-term IR.
