# Buffalo Bills Players With Most to Prove

> Three Bills players face big tests after Week 7 bye.
- Title: Buffalo Bills Players With Most to Prove · Buffalo Bills On SI
- Summary: Three Bills players face big tests after Week 7 bye. Buffalo Bills tight end Jackson Hawes, linebacker Terrel Bernard, tight end Dalton Kincaid and…
- Keywords: buffalo bills, joe brady, terrel bernard, jackson hawes, dalton kincaid, maxwell hairston, nfl, week 7 bye, defensive coordinator, pff grade, sports, Buffalo
- Source: Buffalo Bills On SI — https://si.com/nfl/bills/onsi/four-buffalo-bills-with-most-to-prove-following-week-7-bye
- Published: 2026-10-23T13:29:27+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: buffalo bills, joe brady, terrel bernard, jackson hawes, dalton kincaid, maxwell hairston, nfl, week 7 bye, defensive coordinator, pff grade, sports
## Buffalo Bills Start
Buffalo Bills are 5-1 under first-year head coach Joe Brady.
## Defense Concerns
Defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard has major pass problems.
## Players to Prove
Three players need to step up after Week 7 bye.
## Jackson Hawes
Hawes had 16 receptions for 187 yards and three touchdowns.
## Jackson Hawes Slump
Hawes has no receptions in six games with one target.
## Terrel Bernard
Bernard has 45 tackles but PFF grade of 53.9.
## Terrel Bernard Critique
Ralph Ventre says Bernard looks slow and confused.
## Dalton Kincaid
Kincaid had 130 yards on six receptions in Week 1.
## Dalton Kincaid Slump
Kincaid recorded 38 yards in two games after Week 2.
## Maxwell Hairston
Hairston was benched in favor of Davison Igbinosun.
## Maxwell Hairston Status
Hairston needs to rediscover confidence before bye week ends.
## Key takeaway

Buffalo Bills tight end Jackson Hawes, linebacker Terrel Bernard, tight end Dalton Kincaid and cornerback Maxwell Hairston need to return to form after Week 7 bye.