ORCHARD PARK – As the Buffalo Bills gear up for their most significant game of the season against the Kansas City Chiefs, injuries remain a pressing concern.

Coach Sean McDermott confirmed on Monday that wide receiver Keon Coleman will not participate in the much-anticipated matchup. This outcome was widely expected, but the team has yet to make a definitive decision regarding Coleman’s status concerning injured reserve, especially with a bye week approaching after this game.

”As far as I’m being told by the trainers, we still feel like he is improving,” McDermott stated. “It’s just not a situation where we expect him back this week.”

The absence of Coleman compounds the pressure on the roster, especially considering Amari Cooper and fullback Reggie Gilliam are both labeled as “improving,” though their participation remains uncertain.

McDermott acknowledged the complexity of Cooper’s situation, emphasizing the role of pain tolerance. “I think some of it's pain, pain tolerance and threshold,” he noted.

In light of these injuries, the Bills may have to rely on less experienced players like Tyrell Shavers and Jalen Virgil, which could prove disadvantageous against the undefeated Super Bowl champions.

Tight end Dalton Kincaid is also in question after suffering a knee injury in the previous game against the Colts. After attempting to return, he quickly recognized he wasn’t at full capacity and opted to sit out.

“We’ll see how he fares the next couple of days,” McDermott remarked, underscoring the urgent nature of Kincaid’s recovery.

Without Kincaid, tight end Dawson Knox will need to step up significantly, and Quintin Morris could see increased snaps when the team opts for double tight end formations.

In addition to these receiving woes, offensive tackle Spencer Brown is dealing with an ankle injury suffered late in the last game but managed to finish it. McDermott indicated that Brown will be evaluated as the practice week unfolds.

However, there's a glimmer of hope on the injury front. McDermott announced that linebacker Matt Milano’s 21-day practice window will open this week. Milano, who suffered a torn bicep in August, is expected to return in early December, on track for a comeback in time for the game against the San Francisco 49ers on December 1.

“It’s been a while since he’s played,” McDermott stated. “He’s done a phenomenal job, along with our trainers, of getting back out there (and) taking it one day and one week at a time.”

Defensive coordinator Bobby Babich expressed optimism about Milano’s return, highlighting his engagement with the team throughout the recovery process. "Matt's done a lot of great things for this organization, and I’m just excited he gets an opportunity to get back on the field," Babich said.

As the Bills prepare to face the Chiefs, they are looking at a strategic shift to utilize their remaining talent effectively. Fans are eager to see how this crucial game will unfold and whether the Bills can rally despite injury challenges. Can the depth of Buffalo’s roster withstand the pressure, or will the Chiefs take advantage of these gaps? Stay tuned for updates as game day approaches!