The Buffalo Bills had until Tuesday, August 26, at 3 PM CST to reduce their roster from 90 players to finalize their initial 53-man roster. Due to an updated rule last year, NFL teams are allowed to place up to two players on injured reserve at the roster cutdown deadline with a designation to return later in the season. The old rule required teams to place players on IR the day after roster cuts.
All eyes were on whether the Bills would place an injured cornerback on injured reserve.
Buffalo Bills’ rookie has not practiced since July
Maxwell Hairston suffered a non-contact knee injury in the second week of training camp during a pass rush drill. Tests determined that the rookie had sustained an LCL sprain, while his ACL remained intact. Initially, the belief was that Hairston would miss the next three weeks of practice and potentially be available for the start of the regular season.
Also Read: Buffalo Bills: Rookie Avoided Major Injury, Set to Miss 3 Weeks
The Bills have changed their tune.
Buffalo Bills place 1st-round pick on injured reserve
According to Ian Rapoport, the Bills have placed Maxwell Hairston on injured reserve with a designation to return, as he continues to recover from an LCL sprain. He will miss at least the first four weeks of his rookie season, depending on how his knee feels. The earliest Hairston can suit up is Week 5, when the team faces off against the New England Patriots.
Maxwell Hairston to IR/to return. https://t.co/GT278qJFaQ
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 26, 2025
Here is a look at the Buffalo Bills’ current CB room
- Christian Benford
- Tre’Davious White
- Taron Johnson
- Dorian Strong
- Ja’Marcus Ingram
- Cam Lewis
- Brandon Codrington
Thankfully, Tre’Davious White avoided a major injury and is expected to serve as the No. 2 cornerback alongside Christian Benford. Finally, the expectation is for Dorian Strong to serve as the top reserve on the outside until Maxwell Hairston returns.
