As the Buffalo Bills gear up for their highly anticipated season opener against the Baltimore Ravens on September 7, 2025, the team’s injury report has delivered a mix of shocking setbacks and promising updates, casting a shadow of uncertainty over their Week 1 preparations. The latest developments, particularly surrounding kicker Tyler Bass and cornerstone cornerback Christian Benford, have left fans and analysts buzzing with concern and cautious optimism.
Kicking Crisis: Tyler Bass Downgraded
The most alarming news centers on kicker Tyler Bass, whose status for the opener has taken a troubling turn. After being limited in practice on Wednesday due to a lingering left hip/groin injury, Bass was completely held out of Thursday’s session in Orchard Park. The issue, which first surfaced as pelvic soreness in late July, continues to plague the normally reliable kicker, raising serious questions about his availability for Sunday Night Football.
With Bass’s participation in doubt, the Bills made a proactive move by signing 41-year-old veteran kicker Matt Prater to their practice squad. Prater’s addition signals the team’s concern about Bass’s condition and underscores the urgency to have a contingency plan in place. The potential absence of Bass, a key component of Buffalo’s special teams, could significantly impact the team’s performance in what promises to be a tightly contested matchup against the Ravens.
Bright Spot: Christian Benford Bounces Back
On a more positive note, star cornerback Christian Benford provided a much-needed boost to the Bills’ defense. After starting the week with limited participation due to a groin injury, Benford was a full participant in Thursday’s practice, signaling a strong recovery trajectory. His return to full health is a massive relief for Buffalo, as Benford is expected to anchor the secondary against Baltimore’s potent passing attack. His ability to practice fully just days before the opener bodes well for his availability and effectiveness on game day.
Mixed Bag for the Secondary and Receiving Corps
While Benford’s progress is encouraging, the same cannot be said for veteran cornerback Tre’Davious White, who is slated to start opposite Benford. White, sidelined by a groin injury, missed practice again on Thursday, fueling doubts about his readiness for the Ravens game. His absence would be a significant blow to the Bills’ defense, as White’s experience and playmaking ability are critical against a team like Baltimore.
In the receiving corps, wide receiver Khalil Shakir continued his recovery from an ankle injury that emerged on August 1, participating fully for the second consecutive day. However, rookie wide receiver Keon Coleman, who unexpectedly appeared on Wednesday’s injury report with a groin issue, remained limited in practice. Additionally, wide receiver Elijah Moore was absent from Thursday’s session due to personal reasons, adding another layer of uncertainty to the Bills’ offensive preparations.
Other Injury Notes
Defensive tackle DeWayne Carter, dealing with an Achilles injury, also missed practice on Thursday and is likely headed to injured reserve (IR), further depleting Buffalo’s defensive line depth.
The final Week 1 injury report, due by 4 p.m. ET on Friday, September 5, will provide definitive clarity on the status of Bass, White, Coleman, and others. For now, Bills fans are left grappling with a rollercoaster of emotions—hopeful about Benford’s recovery but anxious about Bass’s potential absence and White’s uncertain status. As the clock ticks down to the season opener, all eyes will be on Orchard Park to see how Buffalo navigates this turbulent injury landscape.
Bills’ Week 1 Injury Report
THURSDAY
CB Christian Benford (groin) — Full
WR Khalil Shakir (ankle) — Full
WR Keon Coleman (groin) — Limited
WR Elijah Moore (personal) — DNP
K Tyler Bass (left hip/groin) — DNP
CB Tre’Davious White (groin) — DNP
DT DeWayne Carter (Achilles) — DNP (to IR)
WEDNESDAY
K Tyler Bass (left hip/groin) — Limited
CB Christian Benford (groin) — Limited
WR Keon Coleman (groin) — Limited
WR Khalil Shakir (ankle) — Full
CB Tre’Davious White (groin) — DNP
DT DeWayne Carter (Achilles) — DNP (likely headed to IR)