### Bills and Texans Struggle with Injuries Ahead of Pivotal Week 5 Matchup

The Buffalo Bills travel to Texas this weekend to face off against the Houston Texans in a much-anticipated Week 5 game. Both teams are grappling with significant injuries, casting doubts on the availability of several key players ahead of Sunday’s 1 p.m. EDT kickoff.

The Bills received some positive news with linebacker Terrel Bernard and offensive tackle Dion Dawkins trending towards a potential return. Bernard participated in Thursday's practice without a red no-contact jersey for the second day in a row, signaling his recovery is progressing well. Meanwhile, Dawkins, who sustained a painful hamstring injury against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 4, managed to participate in Thursday's practice in a limited capacity. The offensive tackle reported feeling positive about his reps, increasing the likelihood of his participation on Sunday.

On the Texans' side, the outlook appears more concerning, especially for their running back corps. Joe Mixon, who has been sidelined since Week 1 with an ankle injury, has yet to practice this week and seems doubtful to take the field. Similarly, running back Dameon Pierce continues to be hampered by a persistent hamstring issue, keeping him out of practice and potentially off the field for yet another game.

Houston’s injury woes extend beyond their backfield. Former Buffalo Bill Jerry Hughes, initially limited in practice, was downgraded to not practicing on Thursday. Another ex-Bill, receiver Robert Woods, emerged on the injury report with a foot problem and did not practice either. Defensive end Derek Barnett remains out, and linebacker Jake Hansen, dealing with a back injury, has also seen his practice status downgraded.

Both teams had other notable names on their injury reports. For Buffalo, cornerback Taron Johnson has yet to move out of a non-contact jersey despite returning to practice after breaking his forearm in Week 1. Defensive tackle Ed Oliver was newly listed after receiving medical attention during Thursday’s session. The Bills are already missing key defenders Austin Johnson and Von Miller, raising concerns about their pass rush depth.

Houston’s offensive line has its own concerns, with tackle Laremy Tunsil upgraded to limited participation in midweek practice after initially not participating. Tackle Tytus Howard appeared on Thursday’s report with a hamstring issue, leaving his status questionable. Notably, cornerbacks Steven Nelson and Eric Murray have been fully participating and are expected to be available come Sunday.

Sunday’s game will likely hinge on the health of these pivotal players. Bills and Texans fans alike will be scrutinizing the final injury reports as both teams aim to come into Sunday’s clash as prepared and healthily as possible.