Dalton Kincaid, Curtis Samuel, and Mecole Hardman Jr. are officially OUT for Thursday Night Football vs. the Texans. These are Key Starters Ruled Out Ahead of TNF. The 26-year-old tight end Kincaid (hamstring), 29-year-old veteran slot/wideout Curtis Samuel (elbow/neck), and 27-year-old speedster Mecole Hardman Jr. (calf) were all listed as DNP/DNP and have been ruled out on the official injury report, per the Bills and multiple outlets. This Bills Injury Update lands as a clear disruption to Buffalo’s short-week game plan.
“The #Bills ruled out TE Dalton Kincaid, WR Curtis Samuel and WR Mecole Hardman Jr. for TNF vs. the Texans.” said a post by Ari Meirov.
The #Bills ruled out TE Dalton Kincaid, WR Curtis Samuel and WR Mecole Hardman Jr. for TNF vs. the Texans. https://t.co/nAkQNTrF5X
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) November 19, 2025
Bills Injury Update Reshapes Buffalo’s Offensive Blueprint
Sep 7, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Detailed view of Buffalo Bills helmet on the field prior to the first quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
Sep 7, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Detailed view of Buffalo Bills helmet on the field prior to the first quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
The Bills lose three playmakers who will change how Sean McDermott calls plays and how Josh Allen distributes the ball. Losing Kincaid removes a big, reliable matchup in the middle of the field. The 26-year-old tight end commands attention in 12/13 personnel and on seam concepts. That means more two-tight personnel work for blocking or an uptick in three-wide sets where slot reps shift toward more veteran targets.
Curtis Samuel’s absence removes the versatility he brings as the chess piece who excels at running quick chains, screening, and motion routes. Without the 29-year-old, Buffalo’s underneath timing routes and quick reads for Allen tighten up; protection help and RB checkdowns will increase. Mecole Hardman Jr., the 27-year-old speedster, takes away a vertical burst and return-game depth. Special teams and gadget looks will be affected.
Coaching adjustments are immediate. Expect more pre-snap motion to manufacture mismatches. Expect play-calling that leans on perimeter runs, play-action to the sidelines, and a heavier dose of quick timing throws to neutralize the Texans’ pass rush. Houston isn’t ingredient-free either; their QB situation and injury picture alter the contest calculus, allowing Buffalo to play more conservatively on third downs.
“I think it’s going to take everybody to replace Kincaid,” saidSean McDermott.
This Bills Injury Update matters. Depth will be tested, personnel packages will evolve, and a single short week makes every roster decision magnified. Watch the active list at kickoff; how Buffalo replaces Kincaid, Samuel, and Hardman will tell you whether this becomes a minor reshuffle or a defining advantage for Houston.