Overcoming a disruptive injury and an unexpected position swap, the versatile defensive tackle leverages hard-won consistency to anchor Buffalo’s front after a transformative, battle-tested rookie campaign.
T.J. Sanders' rookie season with the Buffalo Bills was filled with challenges.
An injury interrupted what he felt was early progress, a position change forced him to learn a new role, and the adjustment to life in the NFL proved to be a learning experience. Looking back, Sanders described last season as a period of growth that helped prepare him for what he believes can be a stronger second year in Buffalo.
Speaking during Bills OTAs, Sanders said he felt he was building momentum before suffering the knee injury that put him on injured reserve
"I felt like it was a lot of growing pains," Sanders said. "Coming in, I felt like I was building on something I had found early on before the injury."
The setback created uncertainty. Sanders admitted that when he returned to the field, he constantly questioned whether he would be able to perform at the same level he had before getting hurt.
"I thought it was worse than what it was," Sanders said. "When I came back, it was always that, ‘Am I going to be all right back there? Can I still do this? Can I still do that?’"
Adding to the challenge was a move to defensive end, which required Sanders to quickly learn new responsibilities while continuing his recovery.
Even with the difficulties, Sanders says the experience helped him grow as a player and a professional. One of the biggest lessons he learned was the importance of consistency. Sanders said he has worked to establish a daily routine that helps him stay healthy and prepared throughout the season.
"I feel like honestly, just having a more consistent approach with the things I have done, on the field or off, just having every day a built-in routine that can really prevent those types of nagging things from really hurting me," Sanders said.
That growth has carried over into his preparation for the 2026 season.
Unlike a year ago, when everything was new, Sanders enters training camp with a much better understanding of what to expect. He said the experience of playing multiple positions and spending a full season in the league has given him greater confidence heading into Year 2.
"I definitely feel like I came in much more confident," Sanders said. "I kind of know what to expect this year, seeing things all last year, multiple positions, and having an awareness of what to really prepare for going into the season."
Sanders also believes the position flexibility he developed last season could benefit him moving forward. He said the experience of playing both inside and outside along the defensive line has expanded his understanding of the game and should help him fit into the Bills' defensive plans.
Perhaps the most important development is that Sanders no longer carries the same concerns he did during his recovery.
After leaning on teammates, coaches, and members of the training staff throughout the rehabilitation process, he says he is fully comfortable again. When asked if he feels more comfortable now than he did during his return from injury, Sanders did not hesitate.
"100 percent," he said.
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