The Bulls swept Dawkins, ruling the Browns four against the Steelers

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — Buffalo Bills coach Sean McDermott on Friday ruled out Dion Dawkins and Spencer Brown from playing this weekend in Pittsburgh, leaving Josh Allen without his two primary defenders.

Lefty Dawkins has yet to clear the NFL’s concussion protocol. Brown will miss overtime because of a right shoulder injury the right tackle sustained in a 20-19 loss at Houston on Nov. 23-19.

The Bills (7-4) are coming off an outing in which Allen was sacked a career-high eight times.

The quarterback was also hit 12 times and, during Wednesday’s practice, a protective pad taped to the bottom of his arm and extended above his right throwing shoulder. Allen, who also complained of numbness in his left shoulder against Houston, dismissed questions about the injury and said he was ready to play.

The five-time defending AFC East champions have won four of seven and enter Sunday’s game in the AFC’s seventh and final playoff spot.

Backup Ryan VanDemark will take over for Dawkins. The Bulls have two potential options at right tackle in rookie Chase Lindt and Tylan Grable, a second-year player who has yet to play this season due to injury. Grable has started practicing again and will be activated on injured reserve.

McDermott also ruled out starting linebacker Terrell Bernard (elbow) and receiver Curtis Samuel (elbow/knee).

Meanwhile, tight end Dalton Kidd has a chance to return after missing two games with a hamstring injury.