Bills rule out Dorian Williams with neck injury after being hurt on opening kick in divisional game

Buffalo Bills defensive end Javon Solomon (56) checks on linebacker Dorian Williams (42) after an injury during the first half of an NFL divisional round playoff football game against the Denver Broncos, Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/RJ Sangosti)

DENVER (AP) — Buffalo Bills linebacker Dorian Williams was ruled out Saturday after hurting his neck while making a tackle on the opening kickoff in an AFC divisional game.

Williams stayed down after the play and medical personnel brought a back brace onto the field. Williams got up and was led to the medical tent before being driven away in a cart. He was taken to the hospital for evaluation.

It was an injury-filled first quarter with Broncos receiver Pat Bryant ruled out with a concussion. Standout cornerback Pat Surtain II briefly left the game, too, after trying to stop Bills running back James Cook III. Surtain returned a few plays later.

Broncos receiver Troy Franklin was ruled out early in the third quarter with a hamstring injury.

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Buffalo Bills linebacker Dorian Williams (42) leaves the field with an injury during the first half of an NFL divisional round playoff football game against the Denver Broncos, Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/RJ Sangosti)
Denver Broncos wide receiver Pat Bryant (13) reacts after a catch during the first half of an NFL divisional round playoff football game against the Buffalo Bills, Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott walks on the sideline during the first half of an NFL divisional round playoff football game against the Denver Broncos, Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)