The night shifted fast for the Buffalo Bills in Houston. The third quarter had just started to settle when defensive captain Terrel Bernard shot downhill on a run stop. Right after the whistle, Bernard stayed low, and suddenly NRG Stadium grew quiet. The Bills Mafia sensed something was off.

What actually happened? Bernard had Matt Milano crashing into to finish the play. The two linebackers collided. Bernard immediately reached for his arm. Trainers rushed over. The crowd watched him stand still for a second before walking slowly toward the tunnel. It almost looked like Milano’s helmet clipped Bernard’s arm during the wrap-up. That brief contact was enough to change the tone of the game.

Bernard’s teammates circled around him. He first stayed on his stomach and then rolled onto his back while trainers checked him. A few defensive players took a knee. The moment was slow. It felt heavy. Everyone on the sidelines kept their eyes locked on Bernard as the trainers tried to stabilize his arm.

Finally, Bernard got to his feet. He stayed hunched over, holding his right arm while a trainer guided him toward the tunnel. The way Bernard grabbed his arm and the way he went straight to the locker room said plenty. The pain showed on his face, and this one looked serious for No. 8.