Bills Get Update On Length Of 1st Round Pick’s Injury

The Buffalo Bills got some unfortunate secondary news when rookie first round pick, Maxwell Hairston, went down with a non-contact knee injury on Tuesday.

After some tests were run, and a late-night Instagram post, the former Kentucky star got his prognosis. He will spend at least three weeks on the sidelines, per Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo.

#Bills first-round CB Maxwell Hairston, who left practice with a knee injury yesterday, had tests that revealed his ACL to be intact, per me and @MikeGarafolo.

It’s an LCL sprain and Hairston could be back in as few as three weeks. pic.twitter.com/chiuauliPm

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 30, 2025

 

Maxwell Hairston To Be Sidelined Until Mid-Late August

An LCL sprain is far from the worst outcome for the rookie after he was seen limping off the field of practice on Tuesday, but it certainly is not ideal for a first-year player looking to make an impact on the pitch from day 1.

Hairston is listed amongst the first team on the Bills depth chart, and was expected to be the front-runner to lock down one of the perimeter corner spots in the secondary.

How Will This Injury Impact Buffalo’s Defense?

Christian Benford is the starter on one side of the secondary, and veteran, Taron Johnson will be the first choice nickel barring injury.

Thus Tre’Davious White and potential up-and-coming cornerback, Dorian Strong – alongside veteran, Dane Jackson – will be looking to make their mark in first team reps.

Given his pedigree as a former two-time All-Pro and Pro Bowler – all of which were with the Bills before being cut last offseason, and re-signed this past one – White would be the obvious choice to step in as the replacement over the next few weeks.

But after receiving a well-below average 52.9 grade from Pro Football Focus, White was benched by the Rams after Week 4 of the 2024 season, and was ultimately traded away to the Ravens as a backup option.

Despite his otherwise illustrious career, White is certainly past his best – which could open the door for Strong or Jackson to take his spot.

What Is The Expectation For The Bill’s Defense In 2025?

Buffalo had a very average defense in 2024. Literally – they came 16th out of 32 teams (in total yards allowed).

More and more the Bills feel like team who have few areas of legitimate weakness – on offense or defense; but at the same time there are few genuine blue chip players in their prime on the roster.

The additions of players like Joey Bosa will hopefully – if he can get back to fitness and play football at his best – add some of that championship-esque juice to the defense. If not, they will have to rely on scheme and consistency to make their way to a possible Super Bowl run.