The Buffalo Bills were hit with a significant setback just a week before their 2025 season opener against the Baltimore Ravens, as second-year defensive lineman DeWayne Carter suffered a season-ending torn Achilles. The injury, reported by NFL insider Jordan Schultz on August 31, has forced the team to reevaluate their defensive line rotation and look to a familiar face to fill the void.
“Sources: #Bills DT DeWayne Carter tore his Achilles and will miss the entire 2025 season,” Schultz posted on X. “The talented 2024 3rd-round pick was poised to be part of Buffalo’s defensive rotation this year. A tough blow.”
Carter’s injury leaves a gap in a defensive line already stretched thin. The Bills had concerns about their depth at defensive tackle even before this loss, with Lance Lysowski of the Buffalo News noting that Carter had not shown enough during training camp and preseason to solidify the team’s confidence behind starters Ed Oliver and DaQuan Jones. The situation was further complicated by the six-game suspension of veteran Larry Ogunjobi for violating the NFL’s policy against performance-enhancing drugs.
Jordan Phillips Poised for Promotion
With Carter sidelined, the Bills are expected to turn to 11-year veteran Jordan Phillips, who is currently on the practice squad, to step into a rotational role. Phillips, who recently returned to Buffalo for his fourth stint with the team, brings a wealth of experience with 129 career games, 62 starts, 187 total tackles, 24.0 sacks, two interceptions, and three forced fumbles. His familiarity with the Bills’ system and his veteran presence make him a natural choice to fill the roster spot.
Ryan Talbot of Syracuse.com reported that the Bills had signed two defensive tackles to their practice squad, including Phillips, as an insurance policy for their defensive line. Phillips’ signing at the end of August came at a critical time, as the team sought to bolster their depth following Ogunjobi’s suspension and Carter’s inconsistent preseason performance.
A Leadership Role for Phillips
Phillips has expressed excitement about his return to Buffalo and his opportunity to mentor younger players like rookies T.J. Sanders and Deone Walker. In an interview with the Buffalo News, he emphasized his role in guiding the next generation of Bills defensive linemen.
“This team is going to do great things, and when you’ve got young guys who we drafted, you’ve got to have somebody in there that can help lead and show,” Phillips said. “Me and Deone are pretty much the same body type. That’s different when a coach tells you to get lower, or you need to do this, that and the other, but when I’ve done it for so many years, being pretty much the same size, it’s a lot easier.”
His experience and physical similarities to players like Walker could prove invaluable as the Bills navigate the loss of Carter and integrate younger players into larger roles.
What’s Next for the Bills?
As the Bills prepare for their season opener, the loss of Carter is a significant blow to their defensive plans. However, the team’s decision to bring Phillips onto the practice squad may prove to be a prescient move. With Sanders and Walker also in the mix, the Bills have options to maintain their defensive line depth, but Phillips’ veteran savvy and proven track record make him the likely candidate for promotion.
The NFL world will be watching closely as Buffalo adjusts to this early adversity. With a tough matchup against the Ravens looming, the Bills will need Phillips and their young defensive linemen to step up to keep their defense formidable in the competitive AFC.