Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott announced that defensive tackle Ed Oliver will be out for an indefinite period after suffering a torn bicep. Oliver is scheduled to undergo surgery to repair the injury. This update confirms earlier reports from ESPN and NFL Network regarding Oliver’s status.
McDermott commented on the loss, saying, “Tough loss. Ed’s a really good player. It’s an opportunity for someone else to step up here.” Oliver sustained the injury late in the first half of Sunday’s game against the Carolina Panthers while attempting a tackle on running back Chubba Hubbard.
Oliver’s 2025 season has been marked by injuries, as he previously missed games from Week 2 through Week 5 due to an ankle issue. Despite limited appearances, he recorded a sack in each of his three starts this year against the Ravens, Falcons, and Panthers.
The Bills recently regained defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi and defensive end Michael from suspension in Week 8; both are expected to have increased roles moving forward. Rookie DT T.J. Sanders remains on injured reserve with a knee injury until at least Week 11, and DT DaQuan Jones continues to recover from a calf injury.
McDermott stated that he would meet with general manager Brandon Beane later Monday evening to discuss potential roster moves for the defensive line.
On another note, rookie cornerback Maxwell Hairston made his NFL debut Sunday, participating in 27 snaps—44% of Buffalo’s defensive plays. Hairston rotated series with CB Tre’Davious White, following a pattern used throughout the season for players returning from injuries.
“When you’re trying to work with a young player and see how they do — and certainly a player that’s missed some time— that’s the right approach, rather than just throw them in full,” McDermott said.
Hairston played despite being limited in practice all week and was activated from injured reserve only one day before the game. “A little bit (surprising), but not totally taken back. We had somewhat of a window of a rep count that we wanted to try and land in. And it’s not easy, due to drive length and whatnot — and then how the game goes,” McDermott said. “I thought the medical staff did a good job getting him to the point where he was able to get activated and then practice the way he was.”
Hairston’s debut included one solo open-field tackle limiting a reception to minimal yardage. Defensive coordinator Bobby Babich credited position coaches Jahmile Addae and Joe Dana for preparing Hairston: “Jahmile Addae and Joe Dana did a great job getting him in situations to kind of prepare him for that,” Babich said. “I think that allowed him to breathe a little bit. There was his first action there, but he was pretty good in coverage.”
