Bernard (calf) tallied 65 total tackles (44 solo) and three passes defensed, including one interception, over 12 regular-season contests in 2025.

EDGE Analysis

Bernard has seen vast declines across several statistical categories over the last two seasons, recording fewer total tackles (143 to 65), sacks (6.5 to zero), passes defensed (five to three) and interceptions (three to one) compared to his 2023 campaign. However, his 2025 season was cut short by injuries, as he missed five regular-season contests and both of the Bills' playoff games. Bernard was one of Buffalo's best tacklers when healthy, recording the fourth-most stops on the team. Under contract through 2029, the Baylor product is expected to remain one of the Bills' top inside linebackers in 2026.

Bernard (calf) is inactive for Buffalo's divisional-round matchup versus the Broncos on Saturday, Alec White of the team's official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Bernard managed to be a limited participant in practice throughout the week but will nonetheless be sidelined for a third consecutive game. In his absence, Dorian Williams and Joe Andreessen could see increased playing time, while Bernard will look to return next week during the AFC Championship Game should the Bills defeat Denver.

Bernard (calf) will practice in a limited fashion Thursday and is listed as questionable for Saturday's divisional-round matchup against the Broncos, Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Baylor product has missed Buffalo's last two contests due to a calf injury, but following a week of limited practice sessions, he's got a chance to return Saturday. Bernard is an integral part of the Bills' linebacker corps, recording 65 total tackles and three passes defensed, including one interception, across 12 appearances this season. If active for the divisional round, Bernard will likely operate as Buffalo's top middle linebacker.

Bernard (calf) was listed as a limited participant in Tuesday's walkthrough practice.

EDGE Analysis

Bernard was unable to practice in the week leading up to the Bills' wild-card game against the Jaguars on Sunday, so his ability to log a limited session -- albeit in a walkthrough -- is a sign that the fourth-year linebacker is progressing in his recovery from a calf injury. Bernard will have two more opportunities to increase his practice participation ahead of Saturday's AFC divisional game against the Broncos.

Bills head coach Sean McDermott said Friday that Bernard (calf) is ruled out for Sunday's wild-card round matchup against the Jaguars, Maddy Glab of the team's official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Bernard previously missed Week 18 due to his calf injury, and McDermott has yet to offer a clear estimate for the starting linebacker's recovery timeframe. For Sunday's playoff contest against Jacksonville, both Dorian Williams and Joe Andreessen will be candidates to see increased work on defense in Bernard's absence.

Bernard (calf) will not participate in Wednesday's practice, Maddy Glab of the Bills' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Bernard did not play in the Week 18 win over the Jets, but that is likely just because the Bills rested most of their starting players. The linebacker sustained his calf injury in the first half of the Week 17 loss to the Eagles and did not return to the contest. If the defensive captain wants to suit up for Sunday's playoff game against the Jaguars, he will have to increase his participation level in at least one of the remaining two practice sessions.

Bernard (calf) won't participate in Wednesday's walkthrough practice, Maddy Glab of the Bills' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Bernard's absence Wednesday comes as no surprise, as he's already been ruled out for the Week 18 matchup against the Jets due to a calf injury. Both Dorian Williams and Joe Andreessen could have expanded roles in Buffalo's linebacker corps while Bernard is sidelined Sunday.

Head coach Sean McDermott told reporters Monday that Bernard (calf) will not play in the Bills' regular-season finale against the Jets on Sunday, Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Bernard suffered a calf injury during the second quarter of the Bills' 13-12 loss to the Eagles on Sunday and did not return. He'll be sidelined for Week 18 and aim to progress enough in his recovery to be available for the wild-card round of the postseason. Joe Andreessen and Dorian Williams are poised for larger roles on defense in Bernard's absence.

Bernard (calf) has been ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's contest against the Eagles.

EDGE Analysis

Bernard sustained a calf injury late in the first half, and his night has now officially come to a premature end. In his absence, Dorian Williams and Joe Andreessen will continue to operate in more substantial roles at linebacker versus Philadelphia.

Bernard (calf) is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Eagles.

EDGE Analysis

Bernard appeared to suffer the injury in the second quarter and was evaluated by medical staff in the blue medical tent. Dorian Williams and Joe Andreessen are candidates for more snaps on defense for as long as Bernard is out of the game.