Bills List Bishop, Sanders, and Johnson as Questionable for Lions Game

The Buffalo Bills have ruled safety Cole Bishop, defensive lineman TJ Sanders, and running back Ty Johnson as questionable for Thursday's home opener against the Detroit Lions. Linebackers Terrel Bernard and Bradley Chubb, along with cornerback Jordan Hancock, have been cleared to play. Bishop and Sanders were limited in Wednesday's walkthrough, while Johnson has been limited all week.

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Bishop’s knee and groin issues flared late in the second quarter against Houston, yet he returned for the second half and logged 72 of 79 defensive snaps. He underwent offseason knee surgery, and his limited practice participation on consecutive days suggests the team may prioritize caution on the short week. Sanders missed the Texans game after a knee injury surfaced last week, with Landon Jackson filling in for 37 percent of defensive snaps. Johnson, sidelined since August with a hamstring pull, was inactive in Week 1 and last played in the 2025 regular-season finale, where he scored both rushing and receiving touchdowns.

Bernard played every snap despite a calf injury, while Chubb handled nearly 80 percent of defensive snaps in his Bills debut despite a thumb issue. Hancock, questionable last week, was active and contributed 23 special teams reps. The Bills’ defensive line rotation and secondary depth will be tested if Bishop and Sanders sit, especially against a Lions offense that scored 48 points in their last meeting. Johnson’s potential return adds a versatile backfield option, though his conditioning remains uncertain after limited practice time.