It was supposed to be a game-changing moment for the Bills. Christian Benford was a crucial piece of their defense. He had cleared concussion protocol just in time for the AFC Championship, and him suiting up against the Chiefs was a real positive. He was supposed to help stop Patrick Mahomes. Fans were hopeful, but fate had other plans.

Benford’s night ended early. And it left fans and analysts wondering about his fate. The Buffalo cornerback collided with teammate Damar Hamlin on the second defensive drive. Boy! That was one heck of a chaotic moment. And it sent shockwaves through the stadium.

The scene was unsettling. Benford attempted to get up after the hit but wobbled. Hence, it prompted Rasul Douglas to intervene. Medical personnel had to rush in… and Benford was eventually carted off the field moments later. He was ruled out with a concussion, with just over three minutes left in the first quarter. The concussion occurred during a tackle on Chiefs’ receiver Xavier Worthy. His helmet collided violently with Hamlin’s as Benford reached out to bring Worthy down. Benford’s injury came just a week after a head injury in the Divisional Round against the Ravens.

This wasn’t the first sign of trouble for Benford. He was limited in practice all week. Hence, Christian was questionable for the game. He was wearing a red non-contact jersey during drills. And didn’t fully practice on Friday, citing personal reasons. Yet the Bills opted to start him.

The decision has sparked criticism. NFL insider Pete Sweeney criticized the decision on social media. “Not sure Christian Benford should have been playing in the first place, he’s very shaken up on the play,” Sweeney wrote. This sentiment echoes growing concerns about player safety protocols in the league.

The timing of Benford’s injury couldn’t have been worse for the Bills’ defense. Missing a cornerstone like Benford added pressure to a unit already thin due to other injuries. His absence was already being felt against Mahomes’ relentless attack by the time Benford exited.

Looking ahead for Benford and the Bills

Losing Benford compounded Buffalo’s defensive struggles. The Bills had already ruled out safety Taylor Rapp before the game. It left the secondary vulnerable against Kansas City’s high-powered offense. Benford has been pivotal for the Bills all season.

He started 17 games, including the postseason. His Pro Football Focus ranking as the fifth-highest cornerback underscores his importance. The Chiefs’ Travis Kelce and Xavier Worthy got more chance of capitalizing on mismatches in coverage without him. And it further exposed Buffalo’s weaknesses. The Bills’ decision to clear Benford for the game is now under scrutiny.

Concussions are a hot-button issue in the NFL. Therefore, Benford’s back-to-back head injuries have raised serious questions. NFL analyst Anthony Cover tweeted, “Christian Benford going out would be a significant blow for a Bills defense that is already looking toothless.” Buffalo fought hard but ultimately couldn’t contain Mahomes and the Chiefs despite the setback. Now, offseason evaluations are looming. The Bills must address depth in the secondary. Besides, their approach to player safety also needs to be reviewed.

The immediate focus will be recovery for Benford. His back-to-back concussions underscore the physical toll of postseason football. Hence, the Bills will need to prioritize his long-term health as they plan for next season. Buffalo’s offseason won’t be easy. Key players like Benford and others need to return at full strength for another playoff run. And the Bills will have to regroup quickly to capitalize on their playoff window.