NFL

Why isn’t Bradley Chubb playing for Dolphins against Bills?

We’re getting close to the postseason and the picture is almost complete, but missing players could affect the final places.

Update: Jan 7th, 2024 14:46 EST

STACY REVEREAFP

We are witnessing a thrilling conclusion to the NFL season, and teams are eagerly striving to secure a spot in the 2024 playoffs or, alternatively, clinch their division title. In Week 18, the Miami Dolphins will play against their divisional rival, the Buffalo Bills, at Hard Rock Stadium. Both teams are in a tight race for the AFC East title.

Currently, the Dolphins lead the division with an 11-5 record, closely followed by the Bills at 10-6, who currently have an 86% chance of making the playoffs.

Chubb out for Dolphins

Things were looking great for Miami not long ago but recent results have put plenty of importance on this game. Injuries to some key players isn’t helping. One of those is Bradley Chubb.

Late in the game against the Ravens, the edge rusher had a non-contact knee injury and later scans would show this to be a torn ACL, ruling him out for the season. A serious blow to their ambitions and head coach Mike McDaniel rues his decision to keep him on the field when the game had already gone, saying “it doesn’t look very smart at all.”

Here’s that moment:

Dolphins’ standout OLB Bradley Chubb did in fact tear his ACL, per source. Chubb was hurt with three minutes left in Sunday’s game, when Miami trailed by 30.

Miami now will be without Chubb and Jaelen Phillips, who tore his Achilles vs the Jets the day after Thanksgiving. pic.twitter.com/IEBkPx8bAE
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 1, 2024

When is the Bills - Dolphins game?

The crucial game against the Buffalo Bills is set for this Sunday at 8:20 p.m. ET (5:20 p.m. PT). It will be televised on NBC in the United States and ESPN/Star+ in Latin America.

What do the Dolphins need to win the AFC East?

The Dolphins have already clinched a playoff berth and have the opportunity to win the AFC East title if they avoid defeat against the Bills. Of course, Miami should have already wrapped the top seed spot up but were blown away 56-19 last time out by the Ravens. A win for the visitors, that means, will see the team from Buffalo secure the divisional title.