Bills activate 1st round pick off IR before Week 8 vs. Panthers
The Buffalo Bills are bolstering their secondary ahead of their matchup against the surging Carolina Panthers. A speedy first-round pick returning from the NFL injury list is set to make his league debut. Maxwell Hairston will suit up for the game, the team announced Saturday afternoon.
Buffalo first hinted at Hairston’s return earlier this week on Tuesday. The Bills selected the Kentucky star 30th overall in April’s NFL Draft. Hairston climbed draft boards due to his excellent coverage skills and experience taking on some of the best wide receivers in the Southeastern Conference.
However, Hairston suffered a non-contact knee injury during training camp, which sidelined him through the preseason and the first six games of the regular season. The Bills, who started the year with a 4-0 record, are currently on a two-game losing streak.
Bills Elevate Two More Veterans Ahead of Panthers Contest
In addition to Hairston, Buffalo activated two other defenders ahead of their game against Carolina’s Bryce Young, Xavier Legette, and company. Veteran safety Jordan Poyer and defensive tackle Jordan Phillips were brought up from the practice squad alongside Hairston.
The 34-year-old Poyer steps in for the injured Taylor Rapp, who was placed on injured reserve Friday after suffering a knee injury. Poyer contributed one tackle two weeks ago in a 24-14 Monday Night Football loss to the Atlanta Falcons.
Defensive tackle Phillips also saw action in that MNF road defeat, recording a solo tackle. He added two tackles in Buffalo’s 31-19 victory over the New Orleans Saints earlier this season.
Defensive Outlook
Currently, the Bills rank 17th in scoring defense and 15th in total yards allowed. However, their pass defense stands out, ranking second in the NFL against passing yards.
Meanwhile, the Panthers have transformed over the past three weeks, riding a three-game winning streak as they head into their home game at Bank of America Stadium.
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