The Buffalo Bills cruised to a 31–19 win over the New Orleans Saints in Week 4, but the aftermath wasn’t all smooth. The NFL has released its latest list of fines, and unfortunately, a Bills player is on it.

Bills linebacker Dorian Williams was fined for “unnecessary roughness” following a blindside block in the second quarter. He has been ordered to pay $7,989. He may appeal the decision, which will be reviewed by designated officers and former NFL players.

On the other side of the field, Saints linebacker Nephi Sewell was also penalized for “roughing the kicker” and faces a steeper fine of $12,172. As per league rules, all fine money will be donated to the Professional Athletes Foundation.

Williams stepped into the starting role for the past two games, filling in for linebacker Matt Milano, who is currently sidelined with a pectoral injury.

The 23-year-old first earned the starting spot last season when Milano suffered a torn biceps during training camp. The Tulane product quickly made his mark, reportedly leading the team with 117 tackles, more than any other Bills defender.

His standout performances didn’t go unnoticed. NFL analyst Tom Blair praised Williams, saying, “Luckily for me, Buffalo turned to Williams as an injury replacement for Matt Milano,” and added that it was “at one of the most underappreciated positions in the league.”

Despite starting only 11 games last season, Williams was impactful. He recorded a career-high 12 tackles in three separate outings and tied for the league lead among defenders with three fumble recoveries.

Blair even made a bold prediction that Williams will become a crucial player for the Bills. “With Milano heading into Year 9,” the analyst said, adding, “The Bills must be heartened to know they have a youngster in-house who can step up if needed.” Unfortunately, the player hasn’t been able to show his best just yet this season.

To make matters worse, Williams is now dealing with an injury.

Is Dorian Williams’ injury serious?

In a recent press conference, head coach Sean McDermott confirmed that Williams will be out of the Bills’ game against the Patriots in Week 5. Another Bills cornerback, Dorian Strong, is also expected to be sidelined for Week 5 due to injury.

“Injury update: both Dorians — so [LB] Dorian Williams and [CB] Dorian Strong — will not practice and they will be out for the game [against the Patriots],” McDermott said. However, coach McDermott didn’t share any further details on the players’ timelines to return.

Neither player has been placed on injured reserve, meaning they remain on the active roster but are unavailable for Week 5.

Head coach Sean McDermott has indicated these absences, and although no official IR designation is in place, the team is managing their statuses day-to-day. McDermott may consider veteran linebacker Shaq Thompson for added depth if Williams cannot return or play at full strength.