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Bills Injury Updates, Kicker Contingency Plan, and Jaguars Playoff Preview

The Buffalo Bills provided an injury update ahead of their Wild Card playoff game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Rookie cornerback Maxwell Hairston has been ruled out due to an ankle injury, while kicker Matt Prater, who left the last game with a right quad injury, is considered day-to-day and may require a workout for a replacement. The team is preparing a contingency plan in case Prater cannot play, with Matthew Wright signed to the practice squad. Prater re-injured his quad during Week 18, and the Bills are evaluating options for the game. Additionally, Ty Johnson is listed as day-to-day, and no players are being activated from IR this week. Bills head coach Sean McDermott praised James Cook for winning the NFL rushing title, finishing the season with 1,621 yards and 12 touchdowns. Cook's performance was highlighted by his handling of the season amid contract negotiations and his contributions on the field. The Jaguars' offense has been highly effective since Week 10, ranking first in the AFC with an average of 33.1 points per game and holding an 8-1 record. Key contributors include WR Jakobi Meyers, traded at the deadline, RB Travis Etienne, and QB Trevor Lawrence, who set a franchise record with 38 total touchdowns. The coaching staff noted Lawrence's comfort in the offense and the talent around him. The Bills signed a new kicker after Prater's injury, with Matthew Wright, a 29-year-old who has played for multiple NFL teams, brought in as a replacement. Prater's injury leaves the team uncertain for the upcoming game, and a tryout for other kickers is scheduled. Wright has a career field goal percentage of 88.2% and a long of 59 yards. Overall, the Bills are managing injuries and preparing for the Jaguars' potent offense, with strategic plans in place for the playoff game.

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