Buffalo, NY – As the Buffalo Bills gear up for a crucial Week 16 road tilt against the Cleveland Browns, head coach Sean McDermott delivered some tough news on the injury front. Veteran kicker Matt Prater has been officially ruled out for the matchup due to a right quad injury, leaving the team scrambling to fill a critical special teams void.
Prater, who has been a model of consistency for the Bills this season, is considered “week to week” according to McDermott. The 41-year-old kicker has been lights out in 2025, converting 18 of 20 field goal attempts (90%) and 43 of 46 extra points (93%). That field goal percentage is on track to be his highest since 2015, when he nailed 22 of 24 (91.7%) during his time with the Detroit Lions (minimum 20 attempts). His reliability has been a bright spot for Buffalo’s special teams unit, especially in clutch situations.
“Not ideal,” McDermott said during his Monday press conference. “Matt’s done a really good job having that consistency during the year. Obviously, T-Bass had the surgery, so he’s not an option either. So we’ll figure that piece out.”
The reference to “T-Bass” is to Tyler Bass, the Bills’ longtime kicker who was placed on injured reserve earlier this season and is out for the year following surgery. With Bass sidelined and now Prater unavailable, the Bills are left without their top two kicking options. Expect the team to dip into the free agent pool or promote from the practice squad this week to address the position. Buffalo’s front office has been proactive in such scenarios in the past, and fans can anticipate an announcement soon on who will handle kicking duties in Cleveland.
But Prater’s absence isn’t the only injury cloud hanging over the Bills as they prepare for the Browns. Defensive tackle Jordan Phillips has also been ruled out for the game after suffering an ankle injury in last week’s win over the New England Patriots. Phillips, a key rotational piece on the defensive line, has provided depth and disruption up front this season, and his loss could force adjustments in Buffalo’s run defense against Cleveland’s potent ground attack.
On a more positive note, cornerback Christian Benford (toe) and linebacker Terrel Bernard (elbow) are both “improving” heading into the new week, per McDermott. Benford has been a steady presence in the secondary, while Bernard’s playmaking ability in the middle of the defense has been vital to the Bills’ success. Their potential availability could provide a much-needed boost as Buffalo aims to solidify its playoff positioning.
Additionally, wide receiver and kick returner Mecole Hardman “could” have his 21-day practice window opened this week. Hardman has been on injured reserve since November 20, recovering from an undisclosed injury. The speedy veteran, known for his explosiveness on special teams and in the passing game, could add a dynamic element if activated. His return would be timely, especially with the kicking situation in flux and the need for reliable return options.
The Bills, currently jockeying for a top seed in the AFC, face a Browns team that’s been resilient despite its own share of injuries this season. Cleveland’s defense, anchored by stars like Myles Garrett, could exploit any weaknesses in Buffalo’s lineup. Kickoff is set for Sunday at 1 p.m. ET from Cleveland Browns Stadium, where weather conditions might play a factor in special teams play.
McDermott emphasized the team’s resilience in the face of adversity: “We’ve dealt with injuries all year, and the guys have stepped up. We’ll approach this the same way – next man up.”
Stay tuned for further updates as the Bills finalize their roster moves ahead of this pivotal AFC clash. For now, it’s clear: Prater’s leg is a no-go in Cleveland, but Buffalo’s fight is far from done.