Tough news for the Buffalo Bills. The fourth quarter of the Wild-Card game saw wide receiver Gabe Davis go down with a leg injury. Against the Jaguars, he was forced out of the game after enduring a heavy hit to his leg during an incomplete pass attempt. And the latest update isn’t looking good. 

The WR was spotted on crutches after the game, and according to NFL injury analyst David J. Chao, the injury appeared to stem from a direct blow to the thigh, which likely caused the knee to buckle. All signs point to at least an MCL sprain. 

Initially, Davis attempted to walk off the field, believing his injury was manageable. But in the next moment, he collapsed back to the turf in agony. He was eventually helped to the blue medical tent before being carted to the locker room. For now, the injury has been designated as a knee injury. 

However, there’s a high chance that Chao’s diagnosis is correct. As board-certified orthopedic physical therapist Tom Christ offered a similar breakdown on X. After reviewing the video clip, he found that the valgus force at the receiver’s left knee was caused by the defender’s thigh hit. 

“Valgus moment at his left knee as the defender hit his thigh from the outside,” he wrote on X. “MCL sprain is number one concern. Foot doesn’t stay planted long and his hip does internally rotate to take off some stress which hopefully spares the ACL.”

Davis was ruled out of the remaining game, which became particularly emotional for him. CBS Sports sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson noted the Bills’ wideout was seen “visibly upset,” sitting at the sideline with a towel held over his head and a brace on his leg. Things are more concerning with this injury because it’s the same knee that he injured last season, which ultimately ended his season with the Jaguars. 

The 26-year-old had high expectations from this game; many even labeled it as his “revenge game” against his former team, the Jaguars.  After four successful seasons in Buffalo, Davis signed a three-year, $39 million contract with Jacksonville in 2024. However, his time in Florida was plagued by a PCL and meniscus tear, leading to his eventual release after just one season.

He found his way back to Buffalo this year, working his way up from the practice squad to make his season debut in Week 11. Davis was supposed to be quarterback Josh Allen’s preferred target. However, he was sent to the locker room with six receptions for 113 receiving yards and a touchdown. 

Davis’ loss leaves Buffalo’s wide receiver room dangerously thin as they prepare for the Divisional Round. Star veteran Joshua Palmer was already on the Injured Reserve, which forced head coach Sean McDermott to give second-year WR Keon Coleman another chance. It ended poorly. 

Buffalo’s playoff dream was saved by wide receiver Khalil Shakir, who became Allen’s security blanket in times of crisis. He caught all 12 of the targets. That’s why the Bills achieved their first road playoff victory in three decades. 

Bills’ historic Wild-Card victory

Even with the crisis in the receiving corps, the Bills pulled through a 27-24 victory against the Jacksonville Jaguars. This victory marks Buffalo’s first postseason victory on the road in 33 years, which had been haunting the franchise since 1993. It wasn’t an easy victory. Besides the injuries, the defense stumbled big time in the second half. 

They dominated the first half by allowing only seven points to the Jaguars, but after halftime, they allowed Jacksonville to score on three consecutive drives to open the half, including two painful double-digit-play touchdowns that added immense pressure on the offense. 

With the game on the line, Allen orchestrated a comeback with a huge 36-yard pass to Brandin Cooks in the final minutes of the game. Then, he powered his way down to the one-yard line using the tush push. On the very next snap, the Jaguars’ defense let him right in, and Allen dove into the end zone for the winning touchdown. By that time, the defense also took control with an interception to seal the win at 27-24. Now, they are headed for the divisional round of the playoffs. 

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