The San Francisco 49ers will face a tough challenge in Sunday’s matchup against the Buffalo Bills, but the Bills will have to navigate a key absence of their own. Tight end Dalton Kincaid, the Bills’ first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, will miss the game due to a knee injury, marking his second missed contest this season. In his place, veteran tight end Dawson Knox is expected to start.
Kincaid’s absence could be significant for the Bills, who are already dealing with a tough stretch of games after a bye week. The rookie tight end has shown flashes of his potential, quickly establishing a strong connection with quarterback Josh Allen. During his first season, Kincaid recorded 73 receptions for 673 yards and two touchdowns. His strong college career at San Diego State and Utah helped him transition seamlessly to the NFL, and his chemistry with Allen made him a reliable target early on.
Kincaid’s 2023 Season Hasn’t Been as Expected
While Kincaid impressed last season, his production has slowed in 2023, with the Bills’ offense facing adjustments following the offseason departure of Pro Bowl wide receiver Stefon Diggs to the Texans. Kincaid had the opportunity to step up into a bigger role, but his numbers haven’t matched the hype from his rookie year. As of now, his absence only deepens the challenge for the Bills, especially as they face a 49ers defense that has been tough all season.
Kincaid will miss his second game of the season after suffering a knee injury in Buffalo’s 30-20 win over the Indianapolis Colts on November 10th. While his injury is a blow to the Bills’ offensive game plan, Buffalo will need to adjust quickly without him.
Dawson Knox Steps In as the Starter
Fortunately for the Bills, Dawson Knox is a more-than-capable replacement. Although his receiving numbers have dipped since Kincaid’s arrival, Knox brings a wealth of experience to the field. Selected to the Pro Bowl following the 2022 season, Knox has been a staple in Buffalo’s offense for years. However, his role has been diminished this season, with just 14 receptions, 182 yards, and one touchdown across 11 games.
While Knox has not put up the same numbers as Kincaid, he is certainly capable of stepping in as a reliable target for Josh Allen. His veteran presence and familiarity with the offense should allow him to contribute in a meaningful way, even if the Bills will miss Kincaid’s playmaking ability.
49ers Dealing with Their Own Absences
While the Bills are healthy in many areas, the 49ers come into the game dealing with several absences that could impact their performance. The 49ers will need to overcome their own injury challenges, but with the Bills missing Kincaid, the matchup is expected to be closely contested.
The absence of Kincaid is a setback for the Bills’ offense, but with Knox stepping in and a fully rested Josh Allen leading the charge, Buffalo will look to make the most of their offensive weapons. As for the 49ers, they’ll be looking to capitalize on this opportunity, but they’ll need to do so while managing their own injury concerns. This matchup is shaping up to be a critical game for both teams as they make their playoff push.
