The Los Angeles Post
U.S. World Business Lifestyle
Today: March 14, 2025
Today: March 14, 2025

Bills cornerback Christian Benford clears concussion protocol, active for AFC title game vs Chiefs

Ravens Bills Football
January 26, 2025

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Buffalo Bills cornerback Christian Benford cleared the concussion protocol and was active Sunday for the AFC championship game, where he was expected to play a big role in helping to slow Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs' passing game.

Buffalo previously ruled out safety Taylor Rapp because of back and hip injuries. That could play a significant role in the game given he would have been largely responsible for covering Chiefs tight ends Travis Kelce and Noah Gray.

Kelce had seven catches for 117 yards and a touchdown in the Chiefs' 23-14 victory over the Texans in the divisional round.

Bills cornerback Christian Benford clears concussion protocol, active for AFC title game vs Chiefs
Bills Football

The other inactives for Buffalo against the defending Super Bowl champions were cornerback Brandon Codrington, defensive tackles Quinton Jefferson and DeWayne Carter, and offensive linemen Ryan Van Demark and Sedrick Van-Pran Granger.

Bills linebacker Matt Milano, who has been dealing with biceps and hamstring injuries, was limited early in the week but cleared to play against Kansas City. One of the leaders of the Bills defense missed their 30-21 win over the Chiefs in Week 11.

Buffalo also was missing tight end Dalton Kincaid to a knee injury and wide receiver Keon Coleman to a wrist injury for their regular-season game against the Chiefs, but both were available Sunday.

Kansas City was without running back Isiah Pacheco, pass rusher Charles Omenihu and cornerback Jaylen Watson in that matchup, but all were on the field for the title game.

In fact, the Chiefs were as healthy as any team ever to play for a conference championship, thanks in part to securing the No. 1 seed with a win in Pittsburgh on Christmas Day. That allowed them to rest most of their key names in their regular-season finale, then give them the following week off thanks to earning the lone bye in the AFC playoffs.

The Chiefs made cornerback Keith Taylor, wide receiver Justyn Ross, defensive ends Josh Uche and Malik Herring, and offensive linemen C.J. Hanson, Wanya Morris and Ethan Driskell inactive against Buffalo.

___

AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL

Related Articles

DK Metcalf is leaving Seattle for Pittsburgh with a new deal in tow, AP sources say Bills reward Allen with new contract after NFL MVP season. Deal is worth $330M, AP source says Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy released after Texas district attorney declines to pursue charges Bills agree to sign LB Bernard to 4-year contract extension. AP source says deal worth $50 million
Share This

Popular

Election|Environment|Political|Sports|World

Olympics-Olympians make climate plea to IOC presidential candidates

Olympics-Olympians make climate plea to IOC presidential candidates
Sports|US

Heartbreak for DePaul as 1st trip to Big East semifinals slips away with late collapse at MSG

Heartbreak for DePaul as 1st trip to Big East semifinals slips away with late collapse at MSG
Health|Sports

Gary Woodland reveals battle with anxiety, fear of dying

Gary Woodland reveals battle with anxiety, fear of dying
Health|Sports|US

Lakers' James, Hachimura, Hayes fly back to California for treatment and will miss rest of road trip

Lakers' James, Hachimura, Hayes fly back to California for treatment and will miss rest of road trip

Sports

Americas|Sports|US

Camilo Villegas and Lucas Glover among those sharing Players Championship lead on wild day

Camilo Villegas and Lucas Glover among those sharing Players Championship lead on wild day
Sports|US

John Feinstein, bestselling author and one of the country's foremost sports writers, dies at 69

John Feinstein, bestselling author and one of the country's foremost sports writers, dies at 69
Sports|US

Spurs G De'Aaron Fox to miss rest of season with finger injury

Spurs G De'Aaron Fox to miss rest of season with finger injury
Sports|US

Bubble watch: Indiana and Xavier now feeling the heat with Texas and North Carolina closing strong

Bubble watch: Indiana and Xavier now feeling the heat with Texas and North Carolina closing strong

Access this article for free.

Already have an account? Sign In