The Buffalo Bills’ 2027 season has already been tested by adversity, as multiple key contributors suffered injuries during the preseason and the opening week of the regular season. While injuries are an unfortunate part of football, the timing and severity of several setbacks will force Buffalo to lean heavily on depth and accelerate development across the roster.
Below is a breakdown of each injury and its impact moving forward.
Offensive Injuries
Joe Brunner – RG
- Injury: Dislocated Ankle
- Timing: Week 1, Regular Season
- Expected Absence: 8 weeks
Rookie guard Joe Brunner suffered a significant setback in his first professional start. The injury halts early momentum for a player expected to stabilize the interior offensive line. Buffalo will now rely on veteran rotation and depth options to maintain pass protection consistency.
Impact:
Interior line depth will be tested immediately, and this injury delays Brunner’s long-term development.
Broderick Jones – LT
- Injury: Broken Collarbone
- Timing: Week 1, Regular Season
- Expected Absence: 7 weeks
Jones’ injury is one of the most impactful on the roster. As the primary blindside protector for Josh Allen, his absence places significant pressure on Buffalo’s offensive line depth and protection schemes.
Impact:
Expect protection adjustments, quicker passing concepts, and increased reliance on tight ends for blocking support.
Jackson Hawes – TE
- Injury: Dislocated Elbow
- Timing: Preseason Week 1
- Expected Absence: 5 weeks
Hawes was slated for a depth and rotational role at tight end. His injury reduces flexibility in heavy formations and special packages.
Impact:
Buffalo will lean more heavily on Dalton Kincaid while adjusting personnel groupings.
Defensive Injuries
Ed Oliver – DT
- Injury: Torn Pectoral
- Timing: Preseason Week 3
- Expected Absence: 34 weeks
Oliver’s injury is the most severe on the list and effectively ends his 2027 season. As a cornerstone of the defensive interior, his loss significantly impacts Buffalo’s run defense and pass rush.
Impact:
This injury forces immediate lineup changes and elevates younger defensive tackles into expanded roles.
Tony Rojas – WILL
- Injury: Foot Fracture
- Timing: Preseason Week 3
- Expected Absence: 4 weeks
Rookie linebacker Tony Rojas suffered a minor but frustrating setback just as he was carving out a rotational role. While not season-threatening, the injury slows his early-season integration.
Impact:
Expect increased snaps for veteran linebackers and more responsibility for Jordan Hall in sub-packages.
Overall Team Impact
The Bills enter the early part of the 2027 season facing challenges on both sides of the ball:
- Offensive line continuity disrupted
- Defensive interior weakened significantly
- Rookie development timelines altered
However, these injuries also present opportunity—forcing Buffalo to evaluate depth, test young talent, and build resilience early in the season.
Next Man Up Mentality
While the injury list is concerning, Buffalo’s coaching staff emphasized preparation and adaptability throughout the offseason. How effectively the Bills respond to these setbacks may define the trajectory of their 2027 campaign.
Early adversity will reveal who this team truly is.
