Buffalo Bills Place Injured Safety on IR in Recent Update

In a recent update, the Buffalo Bills announced that safety Taylor Rapp has been placed on injured reserve due to a lingering knee injury. Coach Sean McDermott confirmed the decision, stating that Rapp has been dealing with this issue since training camp. The medical team has deemed that Rapp can no longer perform at his best, prompting the move to IR.

Impact of Taylor Rapp’s Injury

Rapp has played almost every game this season despite his struggles. However, he will now miss a minimum of four weeks. He joins teammate Damar Hamlin, who was placed on IR earlier this month. The Bills are expected to make adjustments to their roster in light of these injuries.

Potential Replacements

• Jordan Poyer: Likely to be signed from the practice squad to take Rapp’s starting position.
• Cole Bishop: Expected to start alongside Poyer against the Carolina Panthers.
• Cam Lewis: Listed as the fourth safety on the roster.

Additional Player Updates

Defensive players DaQuan Jones and Joshua Palmer are ruled out for the upcoming Panthers game but have not been placed on injured reserve. Both suffered injuries in the October 13 game against Atlanta. Their recovery timeline appears optimistic, indicating they may return within four weeks.

Questionable Players

• Matt Milano (pectoral)
• Terrel Bernard (ankle)
• Dalton Kincaid (oblique)

All three have been limited during practice and listed as questionable for the Panthers game.

Rookie Cornerback Maxwell Hairston

The practice window for rookie cornerback Maxwell Hairston has opened this week. The Bills must activate him to the 53-man roster within 21 days, or he will go to season-ending IR. Although Hairston has practiced, his game readiness remains uncertain due to an extended absence from injury.

Hairston communicated his excitement about returning to practice, sharing his relief regarding the nature of his injury, which was initially concerning but manageable without surgery. He is optimistic about his role moving forward, despite the significant time lost in training camp.

Expectations Moving Forward

Head Coach McDermott has advised fans and media to manage expectations around Hairston’s readiness. While he has shown potential in practice, the mental aspects of returning to play may present a challenge. The situation highlights the need for the Bills to carefully monitor his integration back into the team.