### Buffalo Bills Face Challenges Ahead of AFC Wildcard Playoff Against Jaguars The Buffalo Bills are gearing up for their AFC wildcard playoff game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, January 14, 2026. However, they will be without key players, including starting wide receiver Joshua Palmer, who has been placed on Injured Reserve due to an ankle injury. This move is expected to sideline him for at least four weeks, likely ending his season. In addition to Palmer, the Bills will also miss linebacker Terrel Bernard, cornerback Maxwell Hairston, and safety Damar Hamlin, all ruled out for the crucial matchup [https://www.whec.com/sports-news/buffalo-bills/prater-to-play-palmer-put-on-injured-reserve, https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/bills-joshua-palmer-wild-card-182442297.html]. ### Key Roster Changes and Injury Updates 1. **Injured Reserve Placement**: Joshua Palmer has been placed on Injured Reserve, effectively ending his participation in the playoffs due to an ankle injury sustained during practice [https://www.wgrz.com/article/sports/nfl/bills/buffalo-bills-roster-moves-place-joshua-palmer-injured-reserve/71-542746f0-9975-4ffe-ac14-4cabdb0cd8d0]. 2. **Additional Injuries**: The Bills will also be without linebacker Terrel Bernard, cornerback Maxwell Hairston, and safety Damar Hamlin, all of whom have been ruled out for the game against the Jaguars [https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/terrel-bernard-maxwell-hariston-damar-hamlin-ruled-out-for-bills-jaguars]. 3. **Roster Adjustments**: In response to these injuries, the Bills have made several roster moves, including adding a linebacker to the 53-man roster and elevating practice-squad players to fill the gaps left by the injured players [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/buffalo-bills-roster-moves-ahead-220208450.html]. ### Supporting Evidence of Team's Current Status - **Injured Players**: - Joshua Palmer (WR) - Placed on Injured Reserve [https://www.whec.com/sports-news/buffalo-bills/prater-to-play-palmer-put-on-injured-reserve]. - Terrel Bernard (LB) - Ruled out for the game [https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/bills_rule_out_lb_terrel_bernard_two_others_vs_jaguars/s1_17049_43308962]. - Maxwell Hairston (CB) - Ruled out for the game [https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/terrel-bernard-maxwell-hariston-damar-hamlin-ruled-out-for-bills-jaguars]. - Damar Hamlin (S) - Ruled out for the game [https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/terrel-bernard-maxwell-hariston-damar-hamlin-ruled-out-for-bills-jaguars]. ### Conclusion: Buffalo Bills' Playoff Outlook In summary, the Buffalo Bills are facing significant challenges as they prepare for their wildcard playoff game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The absence of key players like Joshua Palmer, Terrel Bernard, Maxwell Hairston, and Damar Hamlin could impact their performance. 1. **Injuries**: The Bills are missing several starters due to injuries, which could hinder their playoff aspirations. 2. **Roster Adjustments**: The team is making necessary roster changes to adapt to the situation, including elevating practice-squad players. 3. **Game Strategy**: The Bills will need to strategize effectively to compensate for the loss of these key players in the upcoming game. The outcome of this playoff game will heavily depend on how well the remaining players can step up in the absence of their injured teammates [https://www.whec.com/sports-news/buffalo-bills/prater-to-play-palmer-put-on-injured-reserve, https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/bills-joshua-palmer-wild-card-182442297.html].