ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — The Buffalo Bills are facing another setback as starting safety Taylor Rapp will be placed on injured reserve due to a persistent knee injury ahead of their upcoming game against the Carolina Panthers. Coach Sean McDermott confirmed that Rapp had been dealing with the issue since training camp but had managed to play despite the discomfort until now.
“Medically, they feel like it’s just not, [Rapp’s] not in a spot where he can actually play at a level where we can function to do the job,” McDermott explained. “But give TRapp credit, man, he’s gutted it out for the better part of six-plus weeks; having hurt it in training camp when he did was really probably 14 or so days into training camp. So, he’s just a warrior that way and got to a point where just couldn’t do it anymore. So, that’s where we’re at.”
In Rapp’s absence, the team is considering veteran Jordan Poyer, currently on the practice squad, and rookie Jordan Hancock to step up in the starting role. The Bills will also miss starting defensive tackle DaQuan Jones (calf) and wide receiver Joshua Palmer (ankle/knee). McDermott expressed cautious optimism over their recovery, though he could not rule out the possibility of either player being placed on injured reserve.
Additionally, tight end Dalton Kincaid (oblique) and linebackers Terrel Bernard (ankle) and Matt Milano (pectoral) are all listed as questionable after limited participation in practice this week. Kincaid, who missed the Week 6 game, was noted to have lost the non-contact jersey, indicating a possible return to full activity.
On a more hopeful note, first-round pick cornerback Maxwell Hairston (right LCL sprain) has opened his practice window, leading to speculation about his potential return. McDermott emphasized the importance of managing expectations carefully, given that Hairston has missed a significant amount of time.
As the Bills navigate these injuries, the team’s depth and resilience will be put to the test, but there remains a sense of optimism surrounding some players’ recoveries.