Crucial Bills LB Terrel Bernard to return to practice on Wednesday

Buffalo Bills linebacker Terrel Bernard is set to return to practice after missing the team's Week 8 win with an ankle injury.

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Buffalo Bills starting middle linebacker Terrel Bernard is set to return to practice in a limited capacity, head coach Sean McDermott told reporters Wednesday afternoon. The third-year defender will be a limited participant in Wednesday’s session after missing the team’s Week 8 win over the Seattle Seahawks with an ankle injury.

McDermott also said that wide receiver Curtis Samuel, who, too, missed Week 8 with a pectoral injury, will return to practice on Wednesday on a limited basis.

Bills LB Terrel Bernard will be limited today.
So will WR Curtis Samuel
WR Amari Cooper has a wrist injury and won't practice today. Sean McDermott said they'll take it one day at a time.

— Sal Capaccio 🏈 (@SalSports) October 30, 2024

Bernard picked up a lower-body injury in Buffalo’s comfortable Week 7 win over the Tennessee Titans when his ankle was stepped on by offensive lineman Dillon Radunz; he attempted to return to the game but was ultimately ruled out. He did not participate in any of last week’s practice sessions due to the ankle ailment, a persisting pectoral injury, and “personal reasons.” McDermott stated on Monday that he wasn’t yet sure of the defender’s Week 9 status.

Related: Bills WR Amari Cooper to miss Wednesday's practice with wrist injury

Week 8 was Bernard’s third missed game of the season, as he was also sidelined for the Bills’ Week 3 and Week 4 matchups due to a pectoral strain he suffered early in Week 2. The injury was initially expected to keep the 25-year-old out for “about a month,” but he returned in Week 5. One of two full-time team captains, Bernard has been uber-impactful when available this season, tallying 32 tackles, three tackles for loss, and one interception. His return to practice, albeit in a limited capacity, is encouraging; if he’s ultimately unable to play in Buffalo’s Week 9 clash with the Miami Dolphins, third-year linebacker Baylon Spector will likely get the start in his place.

Samuel's return is also a bit of good news; the versatile wideout has caught 12 passes for 92 yards on 129 offensive snaps this year.

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