Buffalo Bills' training camp was rocked on July 30 as first-round pick Maxwell Hairston suffered a leg injury. What does this mean for the Bills' 2024 secondary?
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
The collective breath of Bills Mafia was held at St. John Fisher University on Wednesday as the team's prized first-round pick, Maxwell Hairston, went down with a non-contact right leg injury during defensive drills. The scene was a brutal dose of déjà vu for a team all too familiar with preseason adversity. One minute, the lightning-fast corner was showcasing the 4.28 speed that made him a top pick; the next, he was being attended to by trainers, casting a pall over a camp that was supposed to be about building momentum.
He got up and walked off the field, so that was encouraging to see.
While the team awaits the results of medical scans, the anxiety is palpable. Hairston wasn't just another rookie; he was a dynamic playmaker competing for a starting role opposite veterans like Tre'Davious White and Christian Benford. His injury leaves a significant question mark in a secondary that was counting on his immediate impact. Teammates expressed their concern, but fellow cornerback Taron Johnson offered a small sliver of hope, noting the rookie's ability to leave the field under his own power. For now, that's the hope the team and its fans are clinging to.
Hairston's injury, unfortunately, is not an isolated incident. The Bills' training camp is starting to resemble a M.A.S.H. unit. The list of non-participants is alarmingly long and includes crucial offensive weapons like Curtis Samuel (hamstring), Dalton Kincaid (knee soreness), and Dawson Knox (non-football injury), as well as defensive anchor Terrel Bernard (hamstring). The wide receiver room has been hit particularly hard, with Bryce Ford-Wheaton already lost for the season to a torn Achilles. This rash of injuries forced the front office's hand, leading to the signing of veteran wideout Deon Cain to provide a much-needed healthy body.
Amidst the gloom, there was one significant bright spot. Star defensive end Joey Bosa, the team's marquee offseason acquisition, declared his previous calf injury is officially behind him. 'It's no issue anymore,' Bosa stated, confirming he had a full offseason of training. This is a massive relief for a defense that desperately needs his elite pass-rushing skills. After finishing tied for 18th in the league with just 39 sacks last season, a healthy and explosive Bosa is the single biggest key to elevating the Bills' defensive front from good to dominant.
As Head Coach Sean McDermott emphasized, the wave of injuries is a major test of the team's depth. 'Next man up' is no longer a cliche; it's a necessity. With multiple receivers down, the pressure and opportunity now fall squarely on players like Keon Coleman and Khalil Shakir to solidify their roles. The void left by Hairston's absence at corner will intensify the competition among the remaining defensive backs. McDermott's challenge to his team is clear: adversity is inevitable, but how they respond will define the character of this 2025 squad.
As the Bills continue their preparations, all eyes are on the pending medical update for Maxwell Hairston. The diagnosis will undoubtedly shape the team's defensive strategy and roster decisions moving forward. While the mountain of injuries presents a daunting early challenge, it also forces the team to test its depth and resilience. The hope is that this early trial by fire will forge a tougher, more prepared team when the games truly begin.
