The Buffalo Bills suffered a significant setback as their first-round cornerback, Maxwell Hairston, was placed on the Injured Reserve (IR) following an LCL sprain sustained early in training camp. The injury, while not as severe as a feared ACL tear, will force Hairston to miss at least the first four games of the 2025 NFL season, stalling the development of the highly touted rookie.
The Bills finalized their initial 53-man roster on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, and confirmed that Hairston, alongside offensive lineman Tylan Grable, would be stashed on IR with a return designation. This designation allows both players to resume practice in Week 5, potentially returning to game action in October. However, the injury represents a critical loss of developmental time for Hairston, who was expected to compete for a starting role in Buffalo’s secondary.
A Costly Injury for a Prized Prospect
Hairston’s LCL sprain, while less severe than an ACL injury, is a significant blow to a Bills team with high expectations for their 2025 draft class. The rookie cornerback was projected to complement Christian Benford as a boundary corner, bolstering Buffalo’s defensive backfield. His absence leaves a gap in the lineup and delays his integration into the team’s defensive schemes.
Under the NFL’s 2024 IR rule changes, teams can place two players on IR when setting their initial 53-man roster in August, with those players counting against the team’s eight regular-season activation slots. By placing Hairston and Grable on IR, the Bills have already used two of their six remaining activations for the season. This strategic move underscores the team’s commitment to preserving Hairston’s long-term potential, even at the cost of early-season contributions.
A Familiar Face Steps Up
With Hairston sidelined, the Bills will turn to veteran Tre’Davious White to fill the void as the No. 2 corner alongside Benford. White, a former All-Pro who spent seven years with Buffalo, returns to the team after stints with the Los Angeles Rams and Baltimore Ravens in 2024. However, his recent performance has been marred by significant injuries, including an ACL tear in 2021 and an Achilles tear in 2023, which have hampered his once-elite play.
Now entering his age-30 season, White faces a critical opportunity to reclaim his status as a lockdown corner. His experience and familiarity with the Bills’ system make him a logical choice to step into the starting lineup, but his recent struggles raise questions about whether he can return to his prior form. The Bills are taking a calculated risk by relying on White, whose veteran presence will be tested early in the season.
Looking Ahead
The Bills’ decision to place Hairston on IR reflects their long-term investment in the young cornerback. While his absence is a setback, the team’s cautious approach ensures he will have time to fully recover and return to the field without risking further injury. Hairston’s designation for return means he could rejoin the active roster as early as October, potentially making an impact in the latter half of the season.
For now, Buffalo must navigate the early weeks of the 2025 season without one of their top draft picks. The spotlight will be on White and the rest of the secondary to hold the fort until Hairston can return. As the Bills aim to compete in a highly competitive AFC, the loss of Hairston’s immediate contributions is a stunning blow, but the team remains optimistic about his future and their defensive potential.