The Buffalo Bills, riding high after a dominant victory over the Miami Dolphins, were dealt a significant setback as they began preparations for their Week 4 matchup against the New Orleans Saints. Head Coach Sean McDermott announced that starting right tackle Spencer Brown joined defensive tackle Ed Oliver (ankle) and linebacker Matt Milano (pectoral) as non-participants in Wednesday’s practice due to a calf injury sustained during the recent win. This development casts a shadow over an otherwise stellar start to the 2025 season for Buffalo’s offensive line, which has been lauded as one of the NFL’s elite units.
A Key Cog in Buffalo’s Offensive Machine
Spencer Brown, a cornerstone of the Bills’ offensive line, has been a model of consistency and durability in recent seasons. Ranked as the No. 3 right tackle in the NFL by Bleacher Report’s offensive line expert Brandon Thorn during the offseason, Brown has lived up to the hype through the first three games of 2025. The Bills’ offensive line, with Brown anchoring the right side, has allowed a league-low pressure rate of 20.7 percent, per NFL Pro, providing quarterback Josh Allen with the protection needed to orchestrate Buffalo’s high-powered offense.
Brown’s injury occurred during Thursday’s win over Miami, though he remarkably played every offensive snap despite the ailment. However, his absence from Wednesday’s practice signals potential trouble for the Bills, who are already grappling with injuries to key defensive players in Oliver and Milano. This marks Brown’s second injury since the start of training camp, as he previously missed significant time at St. John Fisher University due to a back issue.
A Glimmer of Hope
Despite the concerning injury report, Coach McDermott offered a cautiously optimistic update, stating that Brown, along with Oliver and Milano, is “improving and heading in the right direction.” While this provides some hope, the Bills are preparing for the possibility that Brown may not suit up against the Saints. His potential absence would be a significant blow to an offensive line that has been instrumental in Buffalo’s early-season success.
Contingency Plan: Ryan Van Demark Steps Up
Should Brown be unable to play, the Bills are likely to turn to Ryan Van Demark as the starting right tackle. Van Demark, who entered the 2025 season as the team’s swing tackle, has prior starting experience, having filled in for two games last season. The absence of 2024 sixth-round pick Tylan Grable, who was placed on Injured Reserve with a concussion, further underscores Van Demark’s importance as the primary backup. While Van Demark is a capable replacement, filling the shoes of a player of Brown’s caliber is no small task, and the Bills’ offensive line cohesion will be tested.
As the Bills prepare to face a tough New Orleans Saints team, the health of their roster remains a critical factor. The loss of Brown, even temporarily, could disrupt the rhythm of an offensive line that has been a driving force behind Buffalo’s 2025 campaign. Fans and analysts alike will be closely monitoring the injury reports leading up to Sunday’s game, hoping for positive updates on Brown, Oliver, and Milano.
For now, the Bills must rally around their depth players and trust in McDermott’s system to navigate this latest challenge. While the road ahead may be fraught with uncertainty, Buffalo’s resilience and talent give them a fighting chance to overcome this unimaginable blow.