Terrel Bernard should be a welcomed boost for Buffalo’s defense next week, as the linebacker is slated to return for the Bills. Middle linebacker Bernard strained his pectoral muscle in the Week 2 win versus the Miami Dolphins. The return of their best tackler is a sign of encouragement that he is trending towards returning to Buffalo. The franchise has lost four key defensive starters in the last four games to various injuries.
Terrel Bernard Nearing Return
Initial reports indicated that middle linebacker Terrel Bernard would be out for approximately one month due to straining his pectoral muscle in Week 2. While he missed the Bills’ Week 3 and 4 games between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Baltimore Ravens, he could be back next week for Buffalo’s highly anticipated matchup between Houston Texans WR Stefon Diggs and the Buffalo Bills.
The third-year middle linebacker was seen on the sidelines throughout practices, participating in individual drills. The return of the 2023 leading tackler would be a significant upgrade for a decimated defense that is already missing CB Taron Johnson and LB Matt Milano.
Bernard’s injury happened in a Week 2 win for the Buffalo Bills on Thursday Night Football. Buffalo was playing the Miami Dolphins. Terrel was replaced by Baylon Spector, who had ten tackles in the win. Spector is not nearly as athletic as the Bills and struggles at times to make key tackles to bigger running backs and tight ends.
Losing a significant portion of your defense hurts, especially when Bernard is responsible for calling the play for the defense of the Bills. He was elected the 2024 team captain on Buffalo’s defense for the first time in his young NFL career.
Final thoughts
Terrel Bernard returning into the Bills’ defense will help with communication and tackling for a team that struggled in Week 4 against the Baltimore Ravens in their loss, trying to tackle running back Derrick Henry. The defense gave up nearly 200 yards to Henry in the run game. Adding a player that can shoot gaps and blitz on third downs will make a Buffalo defense that has been able to get to the quarterback on third downs even scarier. The run defense of the Bills will benefit from having a playmaker who instinctively recognizes the play and pursues the ball carrier.
Bernard’s presence on defense is a huge key for the team to turn their first loss of the season around. Buffalo’s next few opponents are against American Football Conference teams with above-average running backs in Houston Texans RB Joe Mixon and New York Jets RBs Braelon Allen and Breece Hall.
The Bills’ run defense will be tested over the next several weeks to see if they can solve their issues with tackling running backs. Total Apex Sports will keep you updated throughout the week on any injury updates regarding the status of the potential return of LB Terrel Bernard.
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