The Bills won't have cornerback Taron Johnson to help them try to slow down the Chiefs offense on Sunday afternoon.

Cam Lewis and Ja'Marcus Ingram are expected to handle nickel duties against Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs, while Buffalo gets some good news with Terrel Bernard and Matt Milano returning.

The Buffalo Bills' defense may be a little more short-handed than initially thought in Week 9 against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Josh Allen sacked on third down | Bills 7, Chiefs 7 Buffalo went three-and-out ... The Bills will be without one of their key defensive pieces Sunday as nickel cornerback Taron Johnson cannot play after suffering a groin injury Friday in practice.

Johnson first appeared on Buffalo's injury report Friday with a groin injury. He entered the weekend deemed questionable to suit up Sunday but ultimately isn't going to be able to play. Cam Lewis is set to start in the slot in Johnson's stead.

Now, nearly halfway through the season, the Bills have victories over the two other AFC preseason superpowers — the Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens. The Bills have the fourth-best record in the AFC and are only half a game behind the trio tied for first, with the top seed still very much within reach.

Bills beat writers and NFL pundits break down the key matchups to watch and offer up their thoughts on how they see the Week 9 clash with the Chiefs playing out. Buffalo News NFL Week 9 staff picks: Game of the week is in Orchard Park – Buffalo News (subscription required)

Johnson (groin) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Chiefs.

Cornerback Kristian Fulton, wide receiver Jalen Royals, tight end Jared Wiley, running back Elijah Mitchell, and tackle Josh Simmons will also not play on Sunday. Simmons had already been ruled out on Friday as he continues to address a personal situation.

I asked the Buffalo Bills quarterback if he was able to take a breath on ... Phillips (who is now on the 53-man roster), plus without LB Shaq Thompson and NCB Taron Johnson. The return of Matt Milano and Terrel Bernard helped as they combined for 10 ...

The latest iteration of AFC armageddon takes place Sunday afternoon at Highmark Stadium when the 5-2 Bills host the 5-3 Chiefs in a game that, as always, figures to have huge ramifications down the line when it comes to deciding division races and conference playoff seeding.