It didn’t look promising late last week when a knee injury was added to the mix, but the Buffalo Bills‘ primary pass-catching tight end is back in business.
Dalton Kincaid returned to game action on December 7, playing 22 offensive snaps in a 39-34 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. It was the tight end’s first appearance since leaving the November 9 road loss to the Miami Dolphins after pulling his hamstring.
Following the victory, Bills’ head coach Sean McDermott reported that Kincaid “made it through healthy” on Sunday in Orchard Park.
On late Monday afternoon, McDermott offered an expanded evaluation of Kincaid.
“From what I could tell, and talking with Nate, our trainer, no concern about Dalton moving forward coming off that game,” said McDermott.
Dec 7, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid (86) catches the ball for a touchdown at Highmark Stadium. | Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
For the head coach, Kincaid’s energetic demeanor was a welcome sight.
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“He was in a good space last night, yesterday. He was vibing, man,” said McDermott. “I even watched the replays of some of his plays, and he’s catching the ball, he’s kind of getting the crowd into the game.”
Kincaid secured four of five receiving targets for 41 yards and one touchdown in his first action in nearly one full month.
“The execution was really high, especially amongst the tight end group, and that was really good to see, and much needed,” said McDermott.
Importance to offense
Kincaid was the Bills’ leading receiver through the season’s first eight weeks. The 6-foot-4 physical mismatch has caught a touchdown pass in five of nine games thus far. His 80.4 catch percentage leads the team.
“He’s a difference maker out there for us,” said quarterback Josh Allen.
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Buffalo’ scoring output increases by more than 4.0 points per game when Kincaid is in the lineup. He averages 14.8 yards per reception – highest amongst all Bills’ players with at least 20 catches.
Dec 7, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid (86) runs the ball in the fourth quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at Highmark Stadium. | Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
Recapping Kincaid’s recovery
Kincaid missed three consecutive games due to the hamstring injury. He returned to practice, in a limited capacity, for the week leading into the November 30 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
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Deemed questionable to play, Kincaid remained sidelined in Week 13.
During Week 14 preparations, the tight end was apparently bothered by his left knee. He was seen wearing a brace at practice. Kincaid experienced an issue with the same knee during training camp.
Nov 9, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid (86) runs during the first half against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium. | Jeff Romance-Imagn Images
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