Buffalo Bills safety Dee Alford exited the matchup against the New York Jets in the second half after suffering a head injury during a defensive play. The incident occurred on the Jets’ first possession of the third quarter, when Alford leaped to make an interception in the end zone. As he landed, he appeared to strike his head, prompting him to remain on the ground and wave off teammates attempting to assist him before heading to the locker room for evaluation.
Safety’s second concussion protocol visit forces late-game lineup adjustment for Buffalo
This marked the second time Alford underwent the league’s independent spotter protocol during the contest. Earlier in the game, a late hit in the second quarter sent the safety to the medical tent after an offensive pass interference call on the Jets triggered a head injury review. Although Alford was initially cleared to return following that first incident, the subsequent collision in the second half resulted in his permanent removal from the game, altering Buffalo’s defensive depth.
The Bills’ defensive coordination now faces a critical adjustment with Alford ruled out for the remainder of the contest. As the team manages its in-game medical updates, the focus shifts to the next man up in the secondary to maintain coverage integrity against the Jets. This exit underscores the physical toll of the 2026 season and highlights the importance of roster depth for Buffalo as they navigate potential lineup changes in real-time.
Source: Yahoo Sports
