Tonight’s Sunday Night Football clash between the Buffalo Bills and San Francisco 49ers is expected to be heavily influenced by both weather and injuries. With the possibility of snow due to a lake-effect storm, weather conditions could complicate the game.
However, it’s the injuries to key players that may have the most impact on how the game unfolds.
This article breaks down the latest injury updates and the starting lineups for both teams ahead of tonight’s showdown.
Key Inactives for the Bills vs. 49ers
Injuries are always a factor in football, but tonight, several significant players will not be available. Let’s examine the inactive players for both teams, as their absence could shift the dynamics of the game.
Buffalo Bills Inactive Players
- C Will Clapp (Center)
- WR Keon Coleman (Wide Receiver)
- CB Kaiir Elam (Cornerback)
- TE Dalton Kincaid (Tight End)
- DE Javon Solomon (Defensive End)
- LB Edefuan Ulofoshio (Linebacker)
- QB Mike White (Quarterback)
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San Francisco 49ers Inactive Players
- QB Brandon Allen (Third-string Quarterback)
- OT Trent Williams (Offensive Tackle)
- DE Nick Bosa (Defensive End)
- DT Jordan Elliott (Defensive Tackle)
- G Aaron Banks (Guard)
- CB Deommodore Lenoir (Cornerback)
- LB Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles (Linebacker)
Injury Impact and Updates
The 49ers are facing some significant absences. Alongside several key players already on injured reserve (such as Brandon Aiyuk and Dre Greenlaw), the team will be without Trent Williams, their star left tackle, and Nick Bosa, their top pass rusher.
These two players are essential to both the 49ers’ offense and defense, and their absence is a substantial blow.
Trent Williams is one of the NFL’s best offensive linemen, and without him, the 49ers’ offense drops significantly in efficiency. Last season, with Williams on the field, San Francisco’s offense ranked 11th in EPA (Expected Points Added) per game, but that number drops to 16th in his absence.
Additionally, Nick Bosa’s absence weakens the 49ers’ defense, particularly their pass rush, where they rank 30th in pressure rate without him.
The combination of these injuries will likely result in a less effective overall performance from the 49ers.
Meanwhile, the Buffalo Bills are managing a much less severe injury report. The most significant injury for Buffalo is Dalton Kincaid, their tight end, who will miss the game due to a knee injury.
While Keon Coleman (wrist) and Matt Milano (bicep) are also listed as questionable, Kincaid’s absence will hurt the Bills’ passing attack. However, overall, the Bills’ injury situation is far less disruptive compared to the 49ers.
Projected Starting Lineups
The Buffalo Bills and San Francisco 49ers have released their projected starting lineups, and these are the players who will likely take the field tonight:
Buffalo Bills Starting Lineup
- Quarterback: Josh Allen
- Running Back: James Cook
- Wide Receivers: Amari Cooper, Khalil Shakir, Keon Coleman
- Tight End: Dawson Knox
- Offensive Line: Dion Dawkins (LT), David Edwards (LG), Connor McGovern (C), O’Cyrus Torrence (RG), Spencer Brown (RT)
- Defensive Line: Greg Rousseau (LE), Jordan Phillips (DT), Ed Oliver (DT), A.J. Epenesa (RE)
- Linebackers: Dorian Williams, Terrel Bernard, Nicholas Morrow
- Cornerbacks: Christian Benford, Rasul Douglas
- Safeties: Taylor Rapp (FS), Damar Hamlin (SS)
- Special Teams: Tyler Bass (Kicker), Sam Martin (Punter), Reid Ferguson (Long Snapper), Brandon Codrington (Kickoff/Punt Returner)
San Francisco 49ers Starting Lineup
- Quarterback: Brock Purdy
- Running Back: Christian McCaffrey
- Wide Receivers: Deebo Samuel, Jauan Jennings
- Tight End: George Kittle
- Offensive Line: Jaylon Moore (LT), Aaron Banks (LG), Jake Brendel (C), Spencer Burford (RG), Colton McKivitz (RT)
- Defensive Line: Javon Kinlaw (DT), Arik Armstead (DT), Charles Omenihu (DE), Drake Jackson (DE)
- Linebackers: Fred Warner, Dre Greenlaw, Oren Burks
- Cornerbacks: Charvarius Ward, Isaiah Oliver
- Safeties: Tashaun Gipson (FS), George Odom (SS)
- Special Teams: Jake Moody (Kicker), Mitch Wishnowsky (Punter), Taybor Pepper (Long Snapper), Ray-Ray McCloud (Kickoff/Punt Returner)
Key Factors to Watch
Tonight’s game will feature several key storylines to follow. For the 49ers, the absence of Nick Bosa and Trent Williams will force their other playmakers to step up. Brock Purdy, who has shown promise at quarterback, will need to elevate his game in the face of an undermanned offensive line and defensive unit.
On the Bills side, Josh Allen will look to take advantage of the 49ers’ defensive vulnerabilities, especially without their top pass rusher.
Buffalo’s success will depend heavily on Allen’s ability to make plays under pressure and to connect with his wide receivers, such as Amari Cooper.
Conclusion: Who Has the Advantage?
In terms of overall health, the Buffalo Bills appear to have the upper hand going into this game, as their injury report is relatively light compared to the 49ers.
With key players like Nick Bosa and Trent Williams sidelined for San Francisco, the Bills may be in a better position to capitalize on these gaps.
However, given the unpredictable nature of NFL games and the potential for weather to influence play, both teams will need to be flexible in their strategies. Josh Allen’s leadership and the Bills’ defense will play a significant role in securing a win.
People May Ask
Who is inactive for the Bills vs. 49ers game?
The Bills have several key players inactive, including Dalton Kincaid (TE) and Keon Coleman (WR). The 49ers will be without Trent Williams (OT), Nick Bosa (DE), and Deommodore Lenoir (CB).
How will the injuries impact the 49ers’ defense?
The absence of Nick Bosa will significantly weaken the 49ers’ pass rush, and without Trent Williams, their offensive line will struggle to protect Brock Purdy, likely impacting their offensive rhythm.
Who is expected to start for the Bills?
Josh Allen will lead the Bills’ offense, with James Cook at running back and Amari Cooper as a primary target in the passing game.
Will the weather affect the game?
The possibility of heavy snow in Orchard Park due to a lake-effect storm could create challenging playing conditions, favoring the team that adapts best to inclement weather, potentially the Bills, who are accustomed to snow.
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