NFL executive vice president of football operations Troy Vincent credits Bills LT Dion Dawkins and retired OT Andrew Whitworth for the award’s creation. Per ESPN, the “winner will be decided by a panel that includes a number of former offensive line greats.” Whitworth adds that Protector of the Year Award “isn’t just about stats—it’s about the mindset, grit, and leadership it takes to be the foundation of a football team.” The phrasing indicates that all offensive line positions will be eligible for the award, not just the high-value left tackle position that stars in today’s pass-heavy league.

Dawkins practiced on Thursday and Friday and should have no limitations on Sunday. It is great news for Josh Allen, who faces a stout Chiefs defense, featuring a talented pass rush.

Dawkins missed Wednesday’s practice due to an illness, but the veteran left tackle was never considered a risk of missing Sunday’s AFC Championship Game against the Chiefs. The Bills’ bookend tackle appears good to go for the weekend with one day of practice left to go.

Dawkins was listed as a non-participant on Wednesday, ahead of the Bills’ AFC Championship game bout against the Chiefs. He was listed with an illness, which does not seem serious enough to put his status for Sunday’s game in doubt. It is still notable that he did not practice, but for now, Bills fans can expect their left tackle to still play in the biggest game of the season.