Buffalo Bills still unsure about return schedule for LB Terrel Bernard injury

The Buffalo Bills are no strangers to navigating an injury-ridden NFL season. No NFL team is, but for the Bills, it seems to be happening early and often these days. Because just as luck is a game of success in professional football, so is injury — and to be fair, player health plays a major role in positive luck.

The Bills suffered a major blow early in their Week 2 game against the Miami Dolphins when linebacker Terrel Bernard suffered a chest injury that was later diagnosed as a pectoral strain. Bernard was ruled out of the remainder of the game, with backup linebacker Baylon Spector taking his place.

With linebacker Matt Milano already gone for most, if not all, of the 2024 season, the Bills can ill afford to see Bernard suffer the same fate. The Bills Mafia was understandably frustrated to see Buffalo’s defense lose yet another starter, and a captain at that — this after losing nickel cornerback Taron Johnson just four days earlier in Week 1.

On Friday, head coach Sean McDermott provided an update on Bernard, though he stopped short of announcing a timetable for his return. At this point, it is likely that Bernard will miss “multiple weeks,” and One Bills Drive will need to further evaluate the situation to determine if placing Bernard on Injured Reserve (IR) is necessary. Should Bernard go on IR, he would miss four weeks/four games, with the option to return after that threshold is reached.

We will now have to wait for more information before we can truly understand how much time Terrel Bernard will miss due to this injury. Those looking for bright spots will note that there have been no discussions or announcements about Terrel Bernard being out for the rest of the season.

As Banged Up Bills shared, Bernard was caught in the locker room without a shoulder strap, which at least initially makes for positive news. So does the photo of Bernard in a post-game hug with his right hand/arm/shoulder.