It appears the Buffalo Bills are set to see one of their key defensive cogs return for their Week 9 matchup against the Miami Dolphins, as starting middle linebacker Terrel Bernard appears ready to play in the divisional combat. Head coach Sean McDermott told reporters the third-year defenseman should be ready to go this weekend during his press briefing on Friday.

Bernard missed Buffalo’s Week 8 loss to the Seattle Seahawks due to an ankle ailment he suffered midway through the team’s Week 7 win over the Tennessee Titans ; he was stepped on his ankle by offensive lineman Dillon Radunz and was ultimately ruled out after trying to come back. He missed all practices before Week 8 and returned to the training pitch earlier this week in a limited capacity.

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The 25-year-old has been listed in recent injury reports with a pectoral injury in addition to his ankle soreness; He missed two games earlier this year due to a pectoral strain he suffered during the team’s Week 2 win over the Miami Dolphins. The injury was initially expected to keep him sidelined for “about a month“, but he came back after missing only two competitions; his pectoral injury reappearing on the injury report isn’t necessarily surprising or concerning, but it’s something to keep an eye on.

Bernard, when available, has been expected to be brilliant this season, totaling 32 tackles, three tackles for loss and one interception. He wears the green dot on Buffalo’s defense and is one of the team’s two full-time captains, with his dynamic play on the field complemented by his leadership ability off the field. His return scheduled for Week 9 will be welcome as the Bills are set to face a dangerous Miami offense that boasts a trio of talented running backs: Raheem Mostert, De’Von Achane and Jaylen Wright. Wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle are also players to watch in the middle of the field.

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