This year’s AFC Championship Game between the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs is more than just a battle for a coveted Super Bowl berth. It’s a defining moment for both franchises.
For Kansas City, a victory would send them to a fifth Super Bowl appearance and place them on the precipice of making NFL history with a potential three-peat as champions. For Buffalo, a win would give the franchise its first Super Bowl appearance since the early ’90s and tip the balance of power in the conference back toward parity.
Both the Bills and Chiefs have released their final injury reports, so fans can get some sense of what inactive lists should look like heading into the AFCCG.
The Bills will be without safety Taylor Rapp, who was ruled out due to a hip injury suffered during the team’s close Divisional Round win over the Baltimore Ravens. Rapp missed practice all week, so the Bills should be prepared to handle his absence, but there’s no denying his importance and productivity. He had 82 tackles, two interceptions, and one forced fumble this season. Rookie safety Cole Bishop, taken in the second round last April, is expected to step in as his replacement.
Cornerback Christian Benford is in the concussion protocol and was also absent from Friday’s practice due to a personal matter. Linebacker Matt Milano was a full participant in Friday’s practice and will be vital to the team’s game plan against the Chiefs. Expect both to be active when it comes time to play.
On the Chiefs’ side, while a few players were listed on the team’s injury report all week, everyone has been practicing in full, including Patrick Mahomes who continues to receive treatment for an ankle injury. The same can be said for guard Mike Caliendo (shoulder), tackle Jawaan Taylor (knee), and corner Jaylen Watson (ankle).
The Chiefs promoted both wide receiver Justyn Ross and linebacker Swayze Bozeman from the practice squad going into Sunday night’s game. It will be interesting to see if either is active. Bozeman was also elevated and active in the divisional round win over the Houston Texans as a trusted special teamer.
Last week’s inactives included safety Deon Bush, corner Keith Taylor, edge rusher Joshua Uche, tackle Ethan Driskell, defensive end Malik Herring, and tackle Wanya Morris. Let’s look at how this week’s compares.
Chiefs’ inactives for the AFC Championship game:
- Ethan Driskell, OT
- Keith Taylor, CB
- Joshua Uche, DL
- Malik Herring, DE
- Justyn Ross, WR
- Wanya Morris, OT
Bills’ inactives for the AFC Championship game:
- Taylor Rapp, S
- Mike White, QB
- Brandon Codrington, KR
- Quinton Jefferson, DT
- Sedrick Van Pran-Granger, OL
- DeWayne Carter, DL
- Ryan Van Demark, OL
