It’s not a great look for the NFL when a player clears concussion protocol only to be ruled out in the following game with a concussion, but that’s what happened to Buffalo Bills cornerback Christian Benford.
Christian Benford ruled out of Bills vs Chiefs game in 1st quarter
The Bills were already in danger of having to play without Benford, as he suffered a concussion after a hard blow to the head during the Bills’ Divisional Round game against the Baltimore Ravens.
Bills cornerback Christian Benford was placed in the concussion protocol because of this hit he took on the onside kick.
Took a pretty good shot to the head area. Certainly celebrating less than some of his teammates afterward. #Bills #Billsmafia pic.twitter.com/ertGtSOOtI
– I feldman (@ajfeldmantv) January 20, 2025
This first head injury occurred at the end of the game on Sunday, January 19. Benford was somehow able to clear the concussion protocol in time for the AFC title game against the Kansas City Chiefs today, just one week later.
But with just under three minutes left in the first quarter of the game, Benford collided with his teammate, safety Damar Hamlin while trying to make a tackle on Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy.
Benford is a key player for the Bills and his absence will definitely be felt. PFF ranks him as the fifth-highest cornerback in the league. He has started 14 of 15 games for the Bills over the last two seasons. Shortly after the collision, the Bills ruled Benford out for the remainder of the game against the Chiefs.
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