Shaq Thompson has been a godsend for the Bills' defense the past two weeks.
cannot go back to their captain at the center of their defense, but rather must stick with Shaq Thompson as the team’s middle linebacker moving forward.Nov 16, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills linebacker Terrel Bernard warms up prior to the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Highmark Stadium.
| Mark Konezny-Imagn ImagesAfter missing each of Buffalo’s past two games due to an elbow injury, Bernard has been listed as ato protect his ailing elbow. But with his participation remaining steady throughout the week, there is a distinct chance he could be healthy enough to make his comeback against the New England Patriots on Sunday afternoon.The 31-year-old linebacker has totaled a team-high 15 tackles and eight defensive stops in the last two games, during which Buffalo hasto an average of 60 yards rushing per contest. That’s a far cry from where the Bills were over the first 12 weeks of the season, when they were the worst run defense in the NFL, allowing 148.9 yards rushing per game.Sep 28, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills safety Cole Bishop and outside linebacker Shaq Thompson celebrate after intercepting a pass. | Gregory Fisher-Imagn ImagesBernard has been a good soldier for the Bills’ defense since elevating into a prominent role in his second NFL season. But as time has gone on, in part, his production and effectiveness at his position have deteriorated, and it has started to become detrimental to the unit's overall performance., would be a career high, while he is on pace for a career-low 25 defensive stops. Additionally, Bernard is not the most vocal leader, which seems to be something the Bills have needed more of this season, and thus has been provided by Thompson. Moving forward, while there may be a spot for Bernard in a specialized role, for the time being, it would be most wise for Thompson toJosh Allen earns esteemed NFL honor after historic effort in Bills' win vs. BengalsAlex Brasky is editor of Bills Digest and host of the Buffalo Pregame podcast. He has been on the Bills beat the past six seasons and now joins Sports Illustrated hoping to expand his coverage of Buffalo’s favorite football team.NFL MVP Odds: Josh Allen Has Value Ahead of Week 15 Matchup vs. Patriots
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