The Buffalo Bills are facing significant challenges ahead of their pivotal matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, as tight end Dalton Kincaid has suffered a hamstring injury that is expected to sideline him for the next two games. Coach Sean McDermott expressed concern about the absence of Kincaid, who has emerged as a key playmaker in the Bills’ passing game this season. “He’s a good player, and you saw the production he’s had of late in particular,” McDermott stated. With Kincaid out, the Bills will need to get creative to overcome his loss, especially after struggling in recent performances.
Kincaid has been a reliable target for quarterback Josh Allen, recording 29 receptions for 448 yards and contributing four touchdowns so far this season. His production ranks him among the top tight ends in the league, but his absence will leave a noticeable gap. Despite the team’s broader issues with their receiving corps, Kincaid’s unique skills have made him one of the few bright spots for the Bills.
This season, Kincaid’s snap counts have been relatively low due to the team’s reliance on a run-heavy attack and heavier personnel packages involving other tight ends like Dawson Knox and Jackson Hawes, who are better blockers. Nonetheless, Kincaid had standout performances against teams such as the Patriots and Chiefs, highlighting his potential as a game-changing player.
Drafted as a first-round pick in 2023, Kincaid’s career has faced challenges, including injuries that have limited his contributions. Last season, Kincaid was hindered by a knee injury that affected his performance significantly. This year, he missed a game due to an oblique injury prior to this latest setback.
In light of Kincaid’s injury, the Bills are likely to lean on tight ends Knox and Hawes, who although capable, do not match Kincaid’s ability as a dynamic receiver. A potential boost to the offense could come from the return of wide receiver Joshua Palmer, who is expected to rejoin the lineup after missing several games. Palmer’s performance is crucial as he offers speed and versatility that could help fill the void left by Kincaid.
Allen expressed optimism about Palmer’s return, noting, “I think he adds a lot of juice to what we’ve got going on.” Palmer, who demonstrated promise earlier in the season before his injury, has shown a knack for making impactful plays and could provide a crucial additional dimension to the Bills’ passing attack.
Moreover, the Bills may also consider elevating Gabe Davis or Mecole Hardman from the practice squad to enhance their offensive options. As they gear up for the Buccaneers, Allen emphasized the importance of teamwork, stating that everyone will need to step up in Kincaid’s absence and execute play effectively.
The Bills remain hopeful that with some adjustments and contributions from players like Palmer, Knox, and Hawes, they can navigate this challenging period and continue to strive for success in the ongoing season.