Bills inactives vs. New England today include S Taylor Rapp (neck), S Damar Hamlin (rib), CB Rasul Douglas (knee), and LB Matt Milano (groin). Milano's absence should mean a start for LB Dorian Williams, who was questionable with an elbow injury but is active. He carries big tackle upside into the role he played before Milano's return. Buffalo started S Cam Lewis, CB Kaiir Elam and S Cole Bishop with the same secondary trio out last week. None supplied big numbers despite a huge-volume passing day for the Lions in that one. None is probably worth attention for your Week 16 IDP lineup.
The Bills will miss CB Rasul Douglas for Sunday's game against the Lions. He has been ruled out. They might also miss both starting safeties. Taylor Rapp and Damar Hamlin are both questionable. Both safeties practiced in non-contact jerseys Friday and were officially limited. It was the first practice for Rapp this week. Hamlin missed Thursday's workout before going limited Friday. We'll check their statuses ahead of the game. The late-afternoon kickoff means you probably shouldn't count on either for your IDP lineup if you can help it.
The Bills have ruled S Micah Hyde (neck, stinger) and CB Christian Benford (hamstring) out for Monday night's game against the Broncos. The latter should mean full playing time for CB Rasul Douglas. The former Packer played 60% of snaps against the Bengals in his first action since arriving at the trade deadline. Taylor Rapp should step into a starter role in Hyde's absence. S Damar Hamlin might also be activated but would still operate as a reserve/special teamer.
The Bills are acquiring CB Rasul Douglas from the Packers. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports that Buffalo is sending a third-round pick to Green Bay for Douglas and a fifth-rounder. Expect Douglas to quickly (perhaps immediately) take over the outside spot opposite Christian Benford. That has been Dane Jackson's spot since CB Tre'Davious White went down. According to Pro Football Focus, Jackson sits tied for 56th among all CBs in coverage grade, 100th in passer rating in coverage among 129 CBs who have played at least 100 snaps. Douglas has had trouble sticking, spending time with the Eagles and Panthers before landing with the Packers the past three seasons. He has been a playmaker when on the field, though, including 10 INTs since the start of 2021. Douglas will be intriguing in a Bills offense that has faced the sixth-most pass attempts so far.
The Packers have designated CB Jaire Alexander to return from IR. HC Matt LaFleur told reporters Wednesday that Alexander would be taking part in individual drills only, according to ESPN's Rob Demovsky. Alexander has been out since Week 4 with a shoulder injury, so we wouldn't be surprised if he's not quite ready for Sunday night's game against the Bears. Green Bay has 3 weeks now to decide whether to return their lead CB to the active roster or deactivate him for the season. When/if Alexander does return, it would likely push CB Rasul Douglas to a reserve role.
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