Bills LB Terrel Bernard has chance to play vs. Chiefs, while 4 others ruled out

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (WIVB) — The Bills hope Terrel Bernard will be able to play in Sunday night's's playoff game against the Kansas City Chiefs, after the starting middle linebacker was carted off the field with an ankle injury during Monday's wild-card round victory.

Coach Sean McDermott on Friday ruled out cornerback Christian Benford (knee), receiver Gabe Davis (knee), safety Taylor Rapp (calf) and linebacker Baylon Spector (back) for the divisional playoff. Game-time decisions will be made on All-Pro cornerback Taron Johnson (concussion) and punter Sam Martin (hamstring), along with Bernard.

"He won't practice today," McDermott said. "I think more than anything, it's going to come down to what he looks like throughout the day, evening, tonight into Saturday. We'll go from there."

Bernard, who participated in the stretching portion of Friday's practice open to media, appeared to suffer a serious injury while making a tackle against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday night. X-rays were negative, and McDermott on Wednesday said "there's hope," Bernard was not lost for the remainder of the postseason.

"I'm thankful that it could have been way worse," McDermott said. "So we'll just take it one day at a time."

Cornerback Rasul Douglas (knee) and linebacker Tyrel Douglas (shoulder) have been limited practice participants this week but are expected to play against the Chiefs after being held out of the opening playoff game. Receiver Stefon Diggs also has been limited in practice with a foot injury.

If Bernard is unable to play, the Bills will likely elevate veteran linebacker A.J. Klein to start in his place. The Bills also brought punter Matt Haack back to the practice squad this week, and could call him up if Martin is not available. Practice squad elevations will be announced Saturday, and the game day inactive list will be released at 5 p.m. Sunday.