Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott delivered concerning news regarding the health of two key players during a press conference on Wednesday. Both defensive tackle DaQuan Jones and wide receiver Joshua Palmer have been classified as “week-to-week” after missing Wednesday’s practice, raising doubts about their availability for the upcoming game against the Carolina Panthers on October 15, 2025.
Jones sustained a calf injury shortly before the Bills’ Week 6 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons, while Palmer suffered an ankle injury during the first half of that game. McDermott’s update indicates that both players will require close monitoring in the coming days, with the possibility of being placed on Injured Reserve not ruled out.
In addition to Jones and Palmer, several other players are currently sidelined, including rookie defensive tackle T.J. Sanders, cornerback Dorian Strong, and kicker Tyler Bass, all of whom are on Injured Reserve. Linebackers Matt Milano and Terrel Bernard, tight end Dalton Kincaid, and wide receiver Curtis Samuel also missed practice or were limited due to injuries.
Impact of Injuries on the Team
The absence of Jones and Palmer could significantly affect the Bills’ performance against the Panthers. Jones has been a standout on the defensive line, notching several sacks over the first five games of the season. Palmer, meanwhile, showed promise in his brief time on the field, recording two receptions for 60 yards against the Falcons prior to his injury. His longest catch, a 46-yard reception, demonstrated his potential impact on the offense.
Should Jones be unable to play, rookie defensive tackle Deone Walker is expected to step into a starting role. Walker proved his capability in the game against the Falcons, where he recorded four tackles for loss during an increased snap share of 80%.
If Palmer is also ruled out, wide receiver Tyrell Shavers may see more playing time. Shavers has had a subdued season thus far, with only five receptions for 51 yards. The matchup against the Panthers could provide an opportunity for him to make a more significant contribution, especially considering the Panthers’ defense allows an average of 3.6 yards of target separation, ranking them among the bottom in the league.
With the Bills coming off their bye week, McDermott is focused on ensuring that the team is prepared for the challenges ahead. The coaching staff will be keenly assessing the players’ fitness as they approach the weekend, knowing that the outcome could hinge on the performances of both seasoned veterans and emerging talents.
As the team navigates through this challenging phase, the health and performance of key players like Jones and Palmer will be crucial for the Bills as they aim to maintain momentum in the season.
