Bills experience a significant setback as defensive lineman DeWayne Carter suffers a season-ending torn Achilles, according to recent reports.
Bills Face Double Defensive Injury Blow Ahead of Season Opener
The Buffalo Bills have suffered a double blow to their defensive line, with rookie cornerback Maxwell Hairston and defensive tackle DeWayne Carter both sustaining injuries during the preseason.
Maxwell Hairston, a first-round draft pick, has been placed on injured reserve with a knee injury and will miss at least the first four games of the season. The exact nature of Hairston's injury is yet to be disclosed, but it is not related to his Achilles.
The injury to Hairston comes as a significant setback for the Bills, who were already missing two defensive linemen, Larry Ogunjobi and Michael Hoecht, for the first six games due to suspensions for violating the NFL's performance-enhancing substance policy.
In the absence of Carter, T.J. Sanders and Deone Walker are expected to take on a larger role early in the season. Carter, aged 24, was expected to have a significant role in the defensive line rotation for the 2025 season. His injury occurred during Wednesday's practice, and he is set to miss the entire season due to a torn Achilles.
The Bills drafted Sanders in the second round, Jackson in the third round, and Walker in the fourth round, focusing on the defensive line. These three players are now expected to play significant roles in the Buffalo Bills' defense during the 2025 season. However, detailed specific roles for Sanders and Walker have not been explicitly outlined in the available sources.
Despite these setbacks, the Bills are looking forward to their season opener against the Ravens on Sept. 7, which will be broadcast on "Sunday Night Football". Jordan Poyer, a former All-Pro safety, has returned to the Bills after a stint with the Dolphins, providing a boost to the team's defensive unit.
DeWayne Carter made his debut with the Bills in 11 games last season, recording 14 tackles and eight pressures. His absence will be felt, but the team will look to Sanders and Walker to step up and fill the gap.
The Bills will be hoping that these injuries do not derail their season, and they can still compete at the highest level. The team has shown resilience in the face of adversity in the past, and they will be looking to do so again this season.
