The Buffalo Bills have climbed back into the AFC East race. They soundly defeated the Carolina Panthers 31-14 on Sunday. The New England Patriots lost 27-17 to the surging Indianapolis Colts on Saturday night. That leaves the Bills only one game behind the Patriots with their pivotal matchup this weekend in Foxborough.

But the Bills and quarterback Josh Allen will be without one of their key offensive weapons. NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported that Bills wide receiver Cole Beasley has tested positive for COVID-19.

It was initially reported that the Bills had just placed Beasley on the COVID-19 reserve list. That left many wondering if it was a positive test or a close contact situation. Were it just a close contact situation, it was possible for Beasley to return in time for this weekend's game. But that is not the case.

Beasley, who is a very vocal anti-vaxxer, is obviously not vaccinated. Unvaccinated players who test positive are out for 10 days no matter what. Therefore, Beasley will miss the biggest game of the season for the Bills.

Prior to this season, Beasley released a rap song with lyrics against receiving a COVID-19 vaccination shot. He has been very outspoken on social media on his stance against vaccination, drawing the ire of fans.

The Bills hope to get Emmanuel Sanders back this week. He missed Week 15's win over the Panthers with a knee injury. In his absence, Gabriel Davis led the team in receiving with five catches for 85 yards and two receiving touchdowns.