The Buffalo Bills announced Tuesday that they have placed rookie cornerback Maxwell Hairston on injured reserve with a designation to return as they finalize their 53-man roster. Selected at No. 30 in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Hairston will miss the first four games of his professional career while recovering from a knee injury he sustained during training camp. He is slated to be eligible to rejoin the active roster in Week 5.
Hairston suffered a sprained LCL during a drill accident described as a “freak trip up”. His recovery timeline has been uncertain, with Bills head coach Sean McDermott noting in mid-August that the former All-SEC selection from Kentucky was still “a ways away” from a return.
Hairston did not see any preseason action, and his injury is significant as it compounds the absence of veteran cornerback Tre’Davious White. This has created a notable gap at the second outside corner position, opposite Christian Benford.
The active corners on the Bills’ initial 53-man roster are Benford, White, Taron Johnson, Ja’Marcus Ingram, Dorian Strong, and Brandon Codrington, who will also serve as a kick returner.
Hairston’s placement on IR was among several roster changes made by the Bills on Tuesday, which included the release of 27 players not making the final roster. Additionally, defensive end Michael Hoecht and defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi were also placed on the reserve/suspended list, from which they can return in Week 8.
