The Buffalo Bills are set to face the New York Jets in a critical Week 2 matchup on September 14, 2025, but they’ll be without one of their key defensive players. Veteran defensive tackle Ed Oliver has been ruled out due to an ankle injury, thrusting rookie TJ Sanders into the spotlight. Selected 41st overall in the 2025 NFL Draft after the Bills traded up to secure the South Carolina standout, Sanders now has a golden opportunity to prove himself as a starter against a dynamic Jets offense led by quarterback Justin Fields.
Sanders, who logged just 16 defensive snaps in Buffalo’s thrilling 41-40 season-opening victory over the Baltimore Ravens, is poised to take on a much larger role. With Oliver sidelined, Sanders is one of only three defensive tackles on the Bills’ active 53-man roster, alongside veteran DaQuan Jones and Austin Johnson. While the team is expected to elevate practice squad player Zion Logue for the game, Sanders is likely to see significant playing time as the Bills aim to contain the Jets’ rushing attack and pressure Fields.
“Waiting on my opportunity. Knowing that when my number’s called, I’m gonna be out there, ready,” Sanders said after Friday’s practice in Orchard Park. “I feel like I had a great week of practice to prepare for the Jets.”
A Rookie’s First Test
Sanders’ NFL debut against the Ravens was a learning experience. Facing the formidable duo of Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry, the 22-year-old didn’t record a tackle and appeared overwhelmed at times. However, his veteran teammate DaQuan Jones sees progress in the rookie’s approach heading into Week 2.
“Just his understanding of the game and how things are done around here. I think last week he had some learning moments as much as we all did,” Jones said. “He really attacked this week, and kind of focused on what he needed to focus on. Take the steps to kind of correct that and get better, and I think he’s done that.”
Sanders himself acknowledged the importance of reps in his development. “Extremely important. In this league, football in general, the first thing I learned when I got into the game is that a lot of things come with reps and experience,” he said.
Learning from Week 1
After reviewing his Week 1 performance, Sanders identified consistency as the key to improvement. “Just being more consistent. Things like my charge or the way I’m getting off the ball—just keeping those the same because whenever I get away from it, I look bad. Whenever I’m playing faster, I look good. That’s the main thing I took from it [Week 1 game film],” he explained.
The Bills’ coaching staff and Sanders’ veteran teammates have been instrumental in helping him prepare for this moment. His four years at South Carolina gave him a strong foundation, but the leap to the NFL requires rapid adaptation. With Oliver out, Sanders’ ability to execute the fundamentals—quick get-offs, disciplined gap control, and physicality at the point of attack—will be critical against a Jets offense that thrives on explosive plays.
A Chance to Shine
The Bills’ decision to trade up for Sanders in the draft signaled their belief in his potential to be a cornerstone of their defensive line. While the original plan may have been to ease him into the rotation, Oliver’s injury has accelerated his timeline. Sanders now has the chance to show why the Bills invested in him, and a strong performance could solidify his role in the team’s defensive front.
As the Bills travel to face the Jets, all eyes will be on the rookie defensive tackle to see if he can rise to the occasion. With a week of focused preparation behind him and a clear plan for improvement, Sanders is ready to seize the opportunity he’s been “waiting on.”