The New England Patriots' Week 15 game against the Buffalo Bills will be an important one for their playoff chances. With a win in Week 15, the Patriots would clinch the AFC East, something the team hasn't done since the 2019 season. In the first match-up between the Patriots and Bills, New England won a hard-fought Sunday night game 23-20, back in Week 5.
When examining the previous game, the Patriots' roster will look a little different than before, mostly because of players who will be missing the game due to injury. Offensively, the Patriots will be down starting left tackle Will Campbell, who was placed on injured reserve before the Patriots' Week 13 game against the New York Giants. Fortunately for Campbell, he was one of the biggest winners of the Patriots' late bye week.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Patriots will still be without their top lineman in Milton Williams. Williams was the biggest addition over the offseason and had lived up to the hype, but got hurt against the Jets back in Week 11. The defensive tackle would ultimately be placed on injured reserve due to an ankle injury. Things haven't gotten better for Patriots defensive tackles, with another starter potentially not playing against Buffalo after not practicing today.
Patriots' Christian Barmore Didn't Practice on Friday
During Friday's practice, Christian Barmore was absent, per the Boston Herald's Doug Kyed. Not practicing on Friday is never a good sign, since it's the last practice before a Sunday game. While Barmore could still play, if he doesn't, the Patriots would look at Khyiris Tonga to take on a bigger role.
Similar to Williams, Tonga was another new addition to the Patriots in the offseason. For the year, Tonga has been used more in a rotational role on defense, while also serving as an extra blocker at fullback on offense. Should Barmore miss the game, Tonga would see an even bigger role on defense, given that of the Patriots' defensive tackles, he's third on the team in snaps with 277.
Winning against the Bills won't be easy, and it will only be more challenging if Barmore is out. Tonga and the rest of the defense need to be ready to play, or Bills quarterback Josh Allen could have a field day against the Patriots' defense. Friday's practice did bring some good news, though, as Harold Landry was a full participant.
Just like the Patriots, the Bills have their own defensive injuries to worry about. Buffalo defensive back Christian Benford was limited earlier in the week due to a toe injury. New England quarterback Drake Maye could look to take advantage against the Bills' banged-up secondary.