The Buffalo Bills may have a return date in mind for linebacker Terrel Bernard. Bernard has been sidelined since suffering a pectoral injury during the team’s Week 2 victory over the Miami Dolphins, but he made progress this week by returning to practice.
“LB Terrel Bernard (pec) was back at #Bills practice Thursday for the first time since his injury against the Dolphins,” reporter Alex Brasky shared on X. “He wore a red non-contact jersey and participated in individual drills but has already been ruled OUT for Sunday’s game against the Ravens.”
Bernard indicated that he might be able to return for the team’s Week 5 matchup against the Houston Texans, although he couldn’t confirm it. “I hope so. It’s hard to put a timeline,” he said after practice, as reported by The Athletic’s Joe Buscaglia. “That would be awesome if it is. I’m going to do everything I can to get out there, but we’ll see how it goes.”
Bernard had a standout season last year, recording a team-high 143 tackles, 6.5 sacks, five passes defended, three interceptions, and three fumble recoveries. He was named the team’s defensive captain before this season began.
In his absence, third-year linebacker Baylon Spector, who mainly played on special teams prior to this season, stepped in against the Jacksonville Jaguars and made six tackles. The Bills seem to be targeting a Week 5 return for Bernard. Head coach Sean McDermott mentioned that Bernard would likely avoid being placed on injured reserve, which would have sidelined him until at least Week 6.
“Don’t know anything else right now,” McDermott stated, according to SI.com’s Kyle Silagyi. “I don’t think so, but I can’t say that with 100% certainty. I feel like we won’t have to go that direction.”
Bernard still has some recovery ahead, as he was seen in practice wearing a harness on his left shoulder.
In addition to Bernard’s situation, the Bills have dealt with other defensive injuries. Linebacker Matt Milano was placed on injured reserve due to an injury sustained in training camp, and top nickel cornerback Taron Johnson is also aiming to return from a forearm injury sustained in Week 1. Johnson hopes to be back by Week 5 but, like Bernard, has some uncertainty surrounding his recovery.
Buscaglia reported that Johnson described his injury as a fracture that wasn’t clean, with a typical recovery timeline of 4 to 6 weeks. He also expressed hope to be ready for the Texans game, but couldn’t confirm it at this point.