Buffalo Bills vs Houston Texans Injury Update: Everything We Know for Week 12

The Buffalo Bills vs Houston Texans injury update for Week 12 outlines major player absences and practice designations ahead of Thursday night’s matchup at NRG Stadium. The Bills listed 16 players on their latest report, while the Texans reported 15. Both teams enter this game with playoff implications growing stronger as the AFC race tightens.

The Bills are 7-3 and looking to keep pace with the top contenders in the conference. The Texans, sitting at 5-5, need a home win to stay in the postseason picture. The final injury report offers important clarity on who will suit up and who remains sidelined.

Full Breakdown of the Bills vs Texans Injury Update

The Bills will be without several offensive weapons. Tight end Dalton Kincaid is out with a hamstring injury after missing practice. He has 448 receiving yards and four touchdowns this season. Wide receiver Curtis Samuel is also out with an elbow issue, while Mecole Hardman remains sidelined with a calf injury. These absences reduce depth for quarterback Josh Allen, who has been instrumental in keeping the offense among the league’s best.

Khalil Shakir did not participate due to a personal matter. He has been a key contributor with 454 receiving yards and three touchdowns. His status will be monitored closely up to game time. Josh Palmer is practicing fully, signaling he should be available to help fill the gaps.

On defense, Buffalo appears healthier. Cornerback Taron Johnson, defensive end Joey Bosa, linebacker Terrel Bernard, and cornerback Christian Benford all logged full practices. Linebacker Dorian Williams and OLB Shaq Thompson also practiced fully after nursing groin and hamstring issues earlier in the week. Rest days for Jordan Poyer and DaQuan Jones are not expected to impact their availability.

Defensive tackle Phidarian Mathis is listed as questionable with a shoulder injury following limited participation. His status will be critical for Buffalo’s interior rotation.

Offensively, the Bills’ production has dipped slightly. They averaged 29.2 points per game this season but posted 28.3 over their last three. Their passing attack is trending upward, rising to nearly 290 yards per game in recent weeks. Rushing output has declined, however, dropping from 147.6 to 108.3 yards per contest in their last three matchups. These trends underscore how injuries at skill positions may affect strategic adjustments.

For Houston, injuries may also impact both sides of the ball, although the Texans have managed consistency despite missing key starters throughout the season. As reported by major outlets including the Associated Press, the Texans have relied on depth to maintain a 5-5 record, but the Week 12 list remains lengthy heading into Thursday.

This game carries weight for both teams’ playoff hopes. Amazon Prime Video will broadcast the matchup at 8:15 p.m. ET from NRG Stadium in Houston.

Game Outlook and What This Means Moving Forward

The Bills vs Texans injury update shows Buffalo missing important playmakers in the passing game. The absence of Kincaid and Samuel places more pressure on Stefon Diggs, Shakir (if active), and the running backs. The Bills’ defensive unit is trending healthier, which should help them contain Houston’s offense.

The Texans, who have shown resilience over the past month, will need to capitalize on Buffalo’s missing receiving threats. Houston’s defensive plan will likely shift toward limiting explosive plays and forcing Allen to lean heavily on secondary pass-catchers.

As both teams fight to stay in strong AFC standing, these injury adjustments will shape rotations, play-calling, and overall matchup flow. With national attention on this Thursday showdown, availability could significantly influence the final outcome.

In the end, the Buffalo Bills vs Houston Texans injury update provides a clear picture entering Week 12. Both teams face key absences, but Buffalo’s offense may feel the impact most. This primetime meeting is set for a competitive finish as playoff pressure builds.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Who is out for the Bills against the Texans?

Dalton Kincaid, Curtis Samuel, and Mecole Hardman are officially out. Their injuries affect Buffalo’s receiving depth heading into Week 12.

Q2: Is Khalil Shakir playing this week?

Shakir missed practice due to a personal matter. His game status depends on updates closer to kickoff.

Q3: What time is the Bills vs Texans game?

The game begins at 8:15 p.m. ET at NRG Stadium in Houston. It will air on Amazon Prime Video.

Q4: How many players are on the injury report?

The Bills listed 16 players, while the Texans listed 15. Both teams have multiple starters dealing with injuries.

Q5: How are the Bills performing recently?

Buffalo’s offense is scoring slightly below its season average. Their passing game is improving, but rushing production has dipped.