Josh Palmer Injury Update: Did Bills WR Suffer Serious Leg Damage on MNF?

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Josh Palmer suffered a worrying leg injury during Monday Night Football against the Atlanta Falcons, raising concerns about his availability for the rest of the game — and possibly beyond. The 25-year-old was carted off after a promising start, leaving fans and analysts questioning how serious the damage could be.

Palmer’s injury came just as he appeared to be finding his rhythm this season. After a quiet first six weeks, he made a 45-yard catch on the Bills’ very first offensive snap, followed by a 15-yard reception in the second quarter. But what started as his most productive game since Week 1 quickly turned into a potential setback.

How Josh Palmer Got Injured During MNF

The injury occurred midway through the second quarter after Palmer was tackled awkwardly. As he went to the ground, his leg was caught underneath him and twisted — leaving him clutching the area in visible pain. He remained on the turf for several minutes before being assisted off and heading into the blue medical tent for further evaluation.

While the Bills have not yet released an official update on his status, broadcast replays and social media commentary suggest the play resembled a hip-drop tackle — a controversial technique that has been linked to lower-body injuries in the NFL. If confirmed, this could point to a potential sprain or ligament damage, though no diagnosis has been announced.

Before the injury, Palmer had two catches for 60 yards, just one yard shy of his season-high 61 yards from Week 1. It was a breakout performance in the making, especially for a player who had struggled to become a consistent target in Buffalo’s offense since arriving from the Los Angeles Chargers.

His absence could force quarterback Josh Allen to lean more heavily on other receivers such as Dawson Knox, Khalil Shakir, and rookie standout Keon Coleman. The Bills have depth in their receiving corps, but Palmer’s size, speed, and ability to stretch the field make him a unique weapon that will be difficult to replace if he misses extended time.

Team Impact and What Comes Next

The timing of Palmer’s injury is especially frustrating for Buffalo. Entering Week 7, the Bills were positioning themselves as AFC contenders, and Palmer’s emergence was poised to add another dimension to their passing game. Losing him now — even short-term — could disrupt offensive chemistry and limit play-calling options for offensive coordinator Joe Brady.

Fans and analysts have expressed concern online, with many calling the tackle that led to Palmer’s injury “avoidable” and pointing to growing calls around the league to ban hip-drop tackles altogether. The NFL’s competition committee has already discussed stricter penalties for the technique due to its injury risk, and Palmer’s case could renew that debate.

For now, Buffalo supporters must wait for an official medical update. If the injury is minor, Palmer could return later in the game or next week. If more severe, it could mean several weeks on the sideline — a significant blow to a player who was just beginning to hit his stride.

Josh Palmer’s injury leaves the Bills waiting anxiously for news. Whether it’s a short-term setback or a long-term absence, the young wide receiver’s situation is one to watch closely as Buffalo’s playoff push continues.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What happened to Josh Palmer on Monday Night Football?

Josh Palmer injured his leg in the second quarter after being tackled awkwardly, causing it to twist under him. He was taken to the medical tent for evaluation.

Q2: Did Josh Palmer suffer a serious leg injury?

It’s too early to know. Broadcast replays suggested a possible hip-drop tackle, but the Bills have not released an official diagnosis yet.

Q3: Will Josh Palmer return to the game?

As of now, his status is uncertain. The Bills have not confirmed whether he will return during Monday Night Football against the Falcons.

Q4: How was Palmer performing before the injury?

Palmer had two catches for 60 yards before the injury — his most productive game since Week 1.

Q5: How will the Bills adjust if Palmer is out?

The team will rely more on Dawson Knox, Khalil Shakir, and rookie Keon Coleman to fill the gap in the passing game.