Sometimes, it’s the split-second moments that define a game. Sunday’s matchup against the Ravens had one for Taron Johnson. The Bills cornerback is known for his grit. And he suddenly found himself at the center of attention. Sadly, not for a game-changing play. Johnson was defending a pass from Lamar Jackson late in the game. But what followed left fans and teammates alike holding their breath.

Johnson faced an awkward fall. As it turned out, it was more serious than initially thought. The injury occurred late in the fourth quarter. Johnson was covering a deep pass intended for Isaiah Likely. The pass sailed off-target. And Johnson’s effort to trail Likely ended with him landing hard on his left arm. Medical staff rushed to his aid, revealing a shoulder subluxation—an injury that could severely limit arm movement. Johnson returned for a single play before the two-minute warning. But questions linger about his condition moving forward.

This wasn’t the first time the All-Pro defender faced adversity this season. Johnson missed four games earlier because of a forearm injury. His regular-season contributions—65 tackles, 2 interceptions, and a forced fumble—highlight his importance to Buffalo’s defense. Fans will hope his resilience extends to overcoming this setback. As the Bills now prepare for bigger battles.

The injury to Johnson was one of several blows the Bills endured. Safety Taylor Rapp exited earlier with a hip injury. And it left the secondary stretched thin. Yet Buffalo’s defense stood tall. And forced turnovers at critical junctures to secure a 27-25 victory. With it a spot in the AFC Championship. Fans celebrated the win. However, concerns over Johnson’s availability loom large.

Buffalo faces the Chiefs next. A team that thrives on exploiting weaknesses in coverage. If confirmed, Johnson’s absence could complicate their chances. Chances that are usually bleak against Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs’ dynamic offense.

Bills edge out Ravens, but Johnson’s injury casts a shadow

The thrilling conclusion to the Bills-Ravens clash left fans on edge. Buffalo led by eight with minutes to go. Lamar Jackson’s late touchdown to Isaiah Likely brought Baltimore within two. However, a failed two-point conversion sealed the game for Buffalo. But it was far from a perfect performance. Buffalo leaned on its running game to dominate early. James Cook and Josh Allen combined for over 100 rushing yards. Allen’s two rushing touchdowns helped build a 21-10 halftime lead. But the Ravens clawed back, fueled by Derrick Henry’s third-quarter surge.

Johnson’s return during the game was brief. And his presence on the sidelines raised questions about his ability to recover in time for Kansas City. Cornerbacks Rasul Douglas and Kaiir Elam stepped up admirably. But the potential absence of their star nickel corner looms large. However, this isn’t the only blow to their secondary.

Taylor Rapp’s injury left a void that rookie Cole Bishop struggled to fill consistently. Damar Hamlin was impactful in moments. But he also made errors that could’ve been costly. The Bills’ depth will need to shine brighter against Kansas City’s high-powered offense.

The AFC Championship against Kansas City presents a familiar challenge. With or without Johnson, Buffalo must devise a strategy to contain Mahomes. A resilient defense could tilt the game’s balance. But the stakes grow higher as injuries mount. Will Johnson recover in time to help the Bills contain the reigning champions? Fans hope for another heroic comeback from the tenacious defender.