Buffalo’s reliable kicker has been sidelined with a lingering hip injury, but signs are pointing toward a return soon.

Tyler Bass: The Leg That Buffalo Bills Miss Most

For the past several seasons, Tyler Bass has been one of the most consistent and clutch kickers in the NFL.
Since being drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Bass has scored more than 500 career points and become a steady weapon in pressure situations.

However, Buffalo has had to start the 2025 NFL season without their star kicker, after Bass suffered a groin/hip injury late in the preseason.

The setback forced the Bills to place him on Injured Reserve (IR) before Week 1, leaving fans wondering when they’ll see him back on the field.

Details of the Injury and Recovery Timeline

According to head coach Sean McDermott, Bass began feeling discomfort during the team’s final preseason practices while attempting long-distance field goals.
After medical evaluation, the Bills decided to be cautious, opting to rest Bass instead of risking further damage.

“Tyler is trending in the right direction,” McDermott told reporters.
“He’s been working really hard with our training staff. We just want to make sure he’s completely ready before putting him back out there.”

NFL rules require that any player placed on Injured Reserve must miss at least four games. Bass has now reached that threshold, which means he’s eligible to be activated as early as Week 5 or Week 6, depending on his recovery progress.

Who Replaced Tyler Bass While He’s Out?

To fill the void, the Bills signed veteran kicker Matt Prater, a 40-year-old who has previously played for the Denver Broncos, Detroit Lions, and Arizona Cardinals.

Prater has performed admirably in Bass’s absence, connecting on 8 of 9 field goal attempts and converting all of his extra points through the first four games of the season.

Even so, McDermott made it clear that Bass remains the long-term plan once he’s fully healthy.

“Matt’s done an excellent job stepping in,” McDermott said. “But Tyler is our guy. When he’s ready, he’ll be back.”

The Bills signed Prater to a short-term deal, giving the team flexibility to return Bass to the active roster without roster complications.

Expected Return: When Will Tyler Bass Be Back?

Based on the team’s latest updates, Week 6 or Week 7 appears to be the most realistic target window for Bass’s return.
McDermott emphasized that the team will not rush the process, especially given how critical Bass is to their late-game strategies.

“We’ll make the decision when it’s time,” said McDermott.
“He’s too valuable to push back early and risk a setback.”

If Bass can get through this week’s practices without pain, the Bills could officially activate him before their mid-October stretch, which includes divisional matchups against the Jets and Dolphins — both potentially decisive for playoff seeding in the AFC East.

Why Tyler Bass’s Return Matters So Much

While kickers don’t always get the spotlight, Tyler Bass is an exception in Buffalo.
He has been one of the most accurate long-distance kickers in the league, converting over 85% of field goals and maintaining a perfect extra-point record in multiple seasons.

Beyond the stats, Bass gives the Bills strategic confidence. His leg allows head coach McDermott to extend offensive drives, attempt long-range field goals, or pin opponents deep with precise kickoffs.

Without him, Buffalo has been forced to play more aggressively on fourth downs, which has slightly altered offensive play-calling.

Bass’s presence also impacts special teams coverage — his deep and well-placed kickoffs help the defense by limiting opponents’ return opportunities.

In short, getting Bass back is not just about kicking points; it’s about restoring balance and flexibility to the entire team.

How the Bills Have Managed Without Him

Despite losing Bass, the Buffalo Bills have maintained a strong start to the 2025 season with a 4–1 record.
Led by Josh Allen, the offense continues to dominate, while the defense has stayed solid despite injuries to key players like Christian Benford and Matt Milano.

However, the coaching staff has made it clear that having Bass healthy for the second half of the season is crucial for the team’s playoff aspirations.

As the weather turns colder in Buffalo and wind conditions become more challenging, a reliable kicker like Bass becomes even more essential for outdoor games at Highmark Stadium.

Sean McDermott’s Approach: Patience and Precision

McDermott’s handling of Bass’s recovery reflects his broader coaching philosophy — emphasizing discipline, patience, and player longevity.
Instead of rushing players back, McDermott prefers ensuring full recovery to avoid re-aggravation later in the season.

“It’s about the long game,” McDermott said. “We want Tyler to be at his best when it matters most — in December and January.”

The Bills have one of the toughest second-half schedules in the NFL, with games against Kansas City, San Francisco, and Miami.
Having Bass healthy could mean the difference between winning and losing close contests.

Looking Ahead: A Promising Return on the Horizon

Although the Bills haven’t set an official date, all signs point toward Tyler Bass returning soon.
Reports from practice suggest he’s been seen working on light kicking drills and building strength gradually.

If his recovery continues smoothly, he could be activated within the next two weeks, providing a major boost to the Bills’ special teams unit as they push toward another playoff run.

When he does return, fans at Highmark Stadium will be waiting to hear that familiar “thud” of the football — the sound that signals Bass is back where he belongs.

Conclusion

Tyler Bass may have missed the early part of the 2025 season, but his comeback appears imminent.
The Bills have survived without him thanks to Matt Prater’s steady leg, yet everyone in Buffalo knows how valuable Bass is — not just as a kicker, but as a difference-maker in high-pressure moments.

As McDermott put it best, “Tyler’s one of those players who gives you confidence every time he steps onto the field. When he’s back, we’ll be stronger.”