The Buffalo Bills selected tight end Dalton Kincaid with the 25th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, making him their first tight end chosen in the first round in four decades. Coming out of Utah, Kincaid was expected to be a key offensive weapon for the team. The Bills’ decision carried historical weight, as only three tight ends had been taken by the franchise that high since 1960.
Looking back to 1983, Buffalo picked Tony Hunter from Notre Dame 12th overall, a selection that preceded the Bills taking quarterback Jim Kelly that same year. While Kelly initially resisted joining Buffalo due to the cold climate and played in the USFL’s Houston Gamblers before signing with the Bills, the franchise hopes Kincaid’s career will surpass Hunter’s, who was traded after two seasons.
Early Challenges in Fulfilling First-Round Expectations
As Kincaid entered his third NFL season under a $13.4 million rookie contract, his performance has not met the lofty hopes set for a first-round pick. After a promising start with 73 catches as a rookie, he has since struggled to consistently connect with quarterback Josh Allen. Bills general manager Brandon Beane urged Kincaid to improve his physicality on the field, stressing the need for greater play strength.
Kincaid also endured a high-profile setback when he dropped a critical pass late in the AFC Championship Game, which would have extended Buffalo’s chances for a tying field goal. The drop marked a significant moment for the season, effectively ending the Bills’ playoff hopes.
Compounding his on-field challenges, Kincaid sustained several injuries during the 2024 season, including a rare and painful knee injury that he openly detailed for the first time in a recent interview with Buffalo News.
Unpacking the Rare and Complex Nature of Kincaid’s Knee Injury
Kincaid revealed that he was managing a left knee Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) sprain, but the injury affecting his right knee was both unusual and medically complex. He described the condition as a Morel-Lavallee Lesion, which he acknowledged is difficult to pronounce and not well-known to most.
Physical therapist Dr. Kyle Trimble, who monitors injuries affecting Buffalo Bills players, suggested the injury likely occurred during a Week 16 game against the New England Patriots. Kincaid’s mechanism of injury involved landing on the bent right knee in a manner similar to the previous left knee injury, which led to his PCL sprain earlier in the season.
Kincaid characterized the injury as
a form of bursitis where basically the skin underneath the knee is filling up with fluid. That was something I’d never heard about before.
—Dalton Kincaid, Tight End
However, a Morel-Lavallee Lesion is more severe than typical bursitis. Medical literature from the National Library of Medicine defines these lesions as soft tissue injuries resulting from high-velocity trauma. The lesion occurs due to a shearing force, which violently separates the skin from the underlying fascia — the connective tissue that
holds your muscles together, which allows them to contract and stretch. It provides a smooth surface for your muscles, joints and organs to slide against each other without creating any friction or tears,
according to the Cleveland Clinic.
The Serious Risks and Challenges in Diagnosing Morel-Lavallee Lesions
If untreated, Morel-Lavallee Lesions can lead to dangerous complications, including infections, because fluid collects in the space formed between the separated skin and tissue. These injuries are commonly seen in severe car and motorcycle accidents and can be life-threatening without prompt medical attention. One complicating factor is that up to one-third of such injuries may not be immediately apparent, complicating detection for medical staff and trainers alike.
Despite the severity, Dr. Trimble expressed cautious optimism about Kincaid’s recovery prospects. The tight end’s rehabilitation will focus on healing both the Morel-Lavallee Lesion in his right knee and the PCL sprain in his left knee. According to Trimble,
The goal for both is to allow them to get the necessary rehab and recovery rather than managing it during the season with it becoming a chronic issue.
—Dr. Kyle Trimble, Physical Therapist
The Road Ahead for Kincaid and the Buffalo Bills
Dalton Kincaid’s unique and severe knee injury sheds light on the hidden challenges athletes face beyond common strains and sprains. While his 2024 season was marred by performance issues and physical setbacks, the detailed disclosure of his Morel-Lavallee Lesion brings awareness to an uncommon injury that has significant implications for his future play.
With effective treatment and rehabilitation, medical experts remain hopeful that Kincaid will enter the 2025 campaign fully recovered from both his right and left knee injuries. How well he recovers could influence Buffalo’s offensive plans, especially given his potential as a first-round draft pick and tight end in the evolving Bills offense led by quarterback Josh Allen.
As the Bills prepare for another competitive season, monitoring Kincaid’s health and integration into the team’s strategy will be critical for both fans and management hoping to see their top draft choice fulfill his promise.