The Buffalo Bills have activated 2025 first-round pick Maxwell Hairston off the injured reserve.
The Buffalo Bills are getting reinforcements on Sunday as they have activated cornerback Maxwell Hairston. Hairston was the Bills' first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, but has yet to play due to a knee injury he suffered in training camp.
This couldn't come at a better time for Buffalo, as they have lost two straight games. The Bills are now second in the AFC East, behind the 5-2 New England Patriots.
Hairston will join a secondary that is in need of more help. Safety Taylor Rapp was placed on injured reserve with a knee injury. The rookie adds to the cornerback room of Tre'Davious White, Christian Benford, and Taron Johnson.
While Hairston was Buffalo's first-round pick and has the potential to be a star, head coach Sean McDermott is being patient. "The key is managing expectations," McDermott said. "I know he is a No. 1 pick. That said, he's missed a lot of time, so we're trying to be delicate with the situation as best we can and support him and continue to challenge him at the same time."
This is a smart approach, as it would be a lot of pressure to have lofty expectations for Hairston right away after an injury.
The Bills are a contender in the AFC with reigning MVP Josh Allen leading the way. Allen is playing at a high level again, completing 68.5 percent of his passes for 1,397 yards, 11 touchdowns, and four interceptions through six games.
He has also rushed for 254 yards and three touchdowns. The 29-year-old quarterback is a talented player and leader, but the Bills will need their defense to play at a high level.
Buffalo's Week 8 matchup against the Carolina Panthers won't be easy. The Panthers are off to a good start this season at 4-3, but will be without starting quarterback Bryce Young on Sunday.
Veteran Andy Dalton will get the start instead, having completed 69.2 percent of his passes for 118 yards, one touchdown, and no interceptions in his limited time on the field.
The Bills get a boost to their secondary with Hairston back, as they look to make a Super Bowl run this season.