After that embarrassing 30-13 loss to the Miami Dolphins in week 10, things just keep going downhill for the Buffalo Bills. They’re now three games behind the division-leading Patriots, and the pressure is building fast. Josh Allen had one of his roughest outings of the season, posting his second-worst QBR of the season at 28.8. And if this wasn’t enough, the Bills just took a big hit to their tight end room, losing one of their top offensive weapons during the game.

“Bills coach Sean McDermott said on @WGR550 that TE Dalton Kincaid (hamstring) and DT Phidarian Mathis (shoulder) are OUT for Sunday’s game vs. the Buccaneers,” Alaina Getzenberg, Bills reporter for ESPN, wrote on her X.

This is a major blow to the Bills as Kincaid, who signed $13.4M in 2023, has emerged as one of the top targets for Allen. In his 8 games, the 26-year-old has 29 receptions for 448 yards with an impressive average of 15.4 receiving yards. Though he has only recorded four touchdowns, his ability to run routes smoothly, use his hands well, read zone defenses, and win on short and intermediate routes stands out immediately. And not just his performance, his contract is also a major stress-reliever for the team.

Kincaid signed a four-year rookie contract in 2023 worth approximately $13.4 million, fully guaranteed. This includes a signing bonus of around $6.7 million. This is a solid value for a first-round pick to develop at a premium position like tight end. His salary cap hit for the 2025 season is also relatively modest at about $3.66 million, around 1.3% of the Bills’ total salary cap. This gives them cost-effective roster flexibility compared to other expensive veterans.

On the other hand, Phidarian Mathis had been working his way up from the Bills’ practice squad since early September, stepping in for two games and giving the team some solid snaps. He handled limited defensive work against both the Patriots and the Chiefs, and the Bills eventually bumped him up to the active roster after Michael Hoecht went on injured reserve with an Achilles injury.

However, now Mathis is dealing with a shoulder issue of his own, and that setback leaves Buffalo adjusting again. With him sidelined, it naturally opens the door for Jordan Phillips to see more action along the defensive line.

For Kincaid’s replacement, Dawson Knox has to fill the gap with TE1 responsibilities. And now even fans have taken it all over social media, expressing their concern for the team and the injured Kincaid.

Fans sound the alarm after Dalton Kincaid’s injury news

As a rookie, Kincaid had 73 receptions for 673 yards. He recorded the second most catches and yards by any Bills’ rookie and also set the record for most catches by a rookie tight end. Though he has been reportedly out for just the next game against the Bucs, further updates on his injury will be shared later on Friday. With an injury coming at a crucial time, fans are understandably tense.

Many supporters feel that Allen’s inconsistency will be even harder to overcome without one of his most dependable targets.

One wrote, “Josh Allen already looks bad enough as it is, too.”

The reaction from the Bills Mafia was swift and unified, with many echoing the sentiment that losing Kincaid was a ‘tough break’ that would only exacerbate the team’s offensive woes and Allen’s inconsistency. While many had been very vocal, some fans summed up their concern in short.

“Damn!” wrote another.

A short, raw reaction that sums up the gut punch Bills fans felt when the news dropped. When the Bills are eyeing to catch the division leaders, the Patriots, this setback couldn’t have come at a worse time, given Buffalo’s already shaky footing in the division race.

Another wrote, “Tough break for the Bills.”

Some fans even recognized his potential while taking it to social media, highlighting his importance. After all, fans know losing him is more than losing a tight end.

One Bills fan even said, “Dude ain’t just the TE he is currently our whole receiving offense.”

The reaction highlights just how crucial Kincaid has been to the passing game. They agree that this injury only deepens the team’s offensive concerns.

With the Bills struggling to find rhythm, “That’s a big loss for their offense right now,” as per one fan.

The Bills Mafia understands how important Kincaid is, considering the playoffs are drawing near.