Bills coach uncertain on Draft prospect ahead of new season
The Buffalo Bills will be forced to rethink their plans for Maxwell Hairston after the Round One pick suffered an injury.
Drafted late in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Kentucky standout cornerback Maxwell Hairston now faces a setback before his pro debut: a stint on the injured reserve list.
As per ESPN, the Buffalo Bills have officially placed the rookie on IR, ensuring he’ll be sidelined for at least the first four games of the season; he will be able to rejoin the rest of the roster when fully recovered.
Hairston’s injury stems from a right knee lateral collateral ligament (LCL) sprain sustained during training camp. While not season-ending, it’s severe enough to postpone his debut with the Bills. CBS report that the youngster “will be eligible to return Week 5’s Sunday Night Football game versus the Patriots.”
🚨HEARTWARMING: MUST WATCH🚨
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) April 25, 2025
New #Bills 1st round CB Maxwell Hairston spent the entire first round hyping up every player picked and walked by him to head to the stage.
🥹🥹🥹
Hairston celebrated everyone like they were his own brother. Special person.
pic.twitter.com/Mg1R4cRImq
Bills staff “trying to still get a feel for” Hairston injury
Hairston is “still a ways away,” coach Sean McDermott admitted last week about his recovery.
“Just from what I heard ... from [head athletic trainer Nate Breske] is really trying to still get a feel for exactly what we’re dealing with in terms of when we can start to push a little bit more without affecting the healing of it. ... I get the vibe that we are moving in the right direction.”
This represents a tough turn of events for the 30th overall pick, who had been expected to contend for a starting cornerback spot along with Christian Benford.
The #Bills placed first-round pick CB Maxwell Hairston on injured reserve/designated for return. He's out at least 4 games.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 26, 2025
They also cut RB Frank Gore Jr.
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The Buffalo Bills will open their 2025 regular season with a heavyweight clash against the Baltimore Ravens in what will be a rematch between MVP Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson. It will take place on Sunday, September 7, at 8:20 p.m. ET on Sunday Night Football.
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