As the Buffalo Bills gear up for their Sunday matchup against the Seattle Seahawks, head coach Sean McDermott has confirmed that starting middle linebacker Terrel Bernard (ankle) will be sidelined for the Week 8 game. Bernard sustained the ankle injury during the Week 7 win over the Miami Dolphins and has been dealing with various injuries throughout the season. This will mark the third game Bernard has missed this fall, having previously faced a pectoral injury and a personal issue.
A key player and team captain, Bernard ranks second on the team in run stop win rate (40.5%) and tackles per game (6.4). According to Sports Illustrated’s Kyle Silagyi, McDermott described Bernard’s injury as “day-to-day,” which offers some optimism for the third-year Baylor alum.
In the games he has played this season, Bernard has delivered standout performances, making multiple solo tackles in every game—including a notable 10-tackle game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1—and has also recorded a fumble recovery and an interception.
In addition to Bernard, the Bills will also be without receiver Curtis Samuel (pectoral) and rookie defensive tackle DeWayne Carter (wrist). Samuel has contributed 12 catches for 92 yards this season, while Carter has made eight solo tackles. During a Friday practice session with the media, McDermott indicated that Samuel might be out for several games but is not expected to be sidelined for too long. In contrast, Carter will undergo wrist surgery and is likely to end up on injured reserve.
As the Bills face a formidable Seahawks offense led by running back Kenneth Walker III (65 carries, 303 rushing yards, and six touchdowns) and the speedy wide receiver DK Metcalf (35 receptions, 568 yards, and three touchdowns), the team will have a significant challenge ahead in containing Seattle’s playmakers. With a tough schedule ahead, having players like Bernard back would be a major advantage for the 5-2 Bills, particularly if he can maintain his strong performance level.
