ORCHARD PARK, NY — The Buffalo Bills were without three critical contributors to start Week 9 prep, as defensive tackle DaQuan Jones, wide receiver Josh Palmer, và safety Taylor Rapp

all missed practice Wednesday due to confirmed West Nile Virus infections, according to team officials.

All three players experienced early-week symptoms — including severe fatigue, muscle weakness and headaches — leading to immediate treatment and day-to-day monitoring. Their status for Sunday’s primetime matchup remains uncertain.

Despite the sudden outbreak touching their offense and defense, the Bills continued installations focused on hosting the Kansas City Chiefs under the bright lights at Highmark Stadium.

Head coach

Sean McDermott addressed the situation with controlled confidence:

“We take this seriously, and we support our guys as they recover. But the job doesn’t stop — and we’ll be prepared to defend our home turf.”

Jones contributes major interior power and disruption to Buffalo’s run defense. Palmer has grown into a reliable perimeter option in the passing game. Rapp remains a physical enforcer in the secondary with versatility across multiple alignments.

With them sidelined, rotational players stepped into first-team roles during red-zone and situational drills while staff emphasized communication — critical in a high-pressure matchup against Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs’ explosive offense.

The Bills will practice Thursday and Friday before final evaluations. Cold Orchard Park weather could influence recoveries heading toward kickoff.

As a game with playoff seeding implications draws near, Buffalo leans on

roster depth, coaching discipline, and the roar of Bills Mafia to carry them through adversity.