Buffalo Bills rookie Maxwell Hairston suffers a scary knee injury at July 29 training camp. Get the latest on his status and updates on Elijah Moore & Curtis Samuel.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
One minute, the future of the Bills' secondary was flashing his first-round talent. The next, the entire mood at St. John Fisher University shifted. A collective gasp went through the crowd as rookie cornerback Maxwell Hairston went down with a non-contact right knee injury, casting a significant shadow over Day 6 of training camp.
Just 50 minutes into practice, the Bills' top draft pick was on the turf, putting a potential damper on his entire rookie season.
It's the sight every coach, player, and fan dreads. About 50 minutes into Tuesday's practice, first-round pick Maxwell Hairston crumpled to the ground without any contact. Trainers immediately rushed to his side, performing a stability test on his right knee as concerned teammates like Christian Benford and Tre'Davious White looked on. While Hairston managed to walk off the field under his own power, the initial fear is ligament damage. For a player who was impressing and competing for the starting CB2 job, this is a devastating blow. With the Bills already nursing 12 other injuries, the last thing they needed was a potentially serious one to their top draft pick.
Just as Bills Mafia was bracing for the worst, GM Brandon Beane delivered some much-needed good news. Speaking on Sirius XM, Beane revealed that injured wideouts Elijah Moore (leg) and Curtis Samuel are nearing their return, with Moore potentially back as soon as Thursday. This update provides a massive sigh of relief for an offense that needs its playmakers. The team is clearly still managing the position, having re-signed a familiar wide receiver just days after waiving him to bolster depth. It's a classic training camp rollercoaster: one position group takes a hit while another gets a boost.
Offensive Coordinator Joe Brady spoke to the media before the injury chaos unfolded, but his words proved prophetic. He emphasized the need for adaptability and stressed the importance of every receiver knowing their role in his system. With injuries piling up on both sides of the ball, that philosophy is being tested in real-time. Brady's focus on building chemistry and getting the offensive line to gel is more critical than ever. The pressure is on for him to adjust his schemes and for players further down the depth chart to prove they're ready for the spotlight.
Amid the injury turmoil, opportunities arise. While the Hairston news is a major downer, other players are making their case. Reports from camp continue to highlight Josh Allen's sharp leadership, connecting with various targets and keeping the offense focused. With the CB2 spot now facing major uncertainty, the competition between players like Christian Benford and Rasul Douglas becomes even more intense. The first week of camp has been a showcase for the team's depth, and now that depth is going to be tested in a big way.
Tuesday was a stark reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in the NFL. The Bills leave Day 6 with more questions than answers, primarily centered on the health of their first-round pick. All eyes will be on the official diagnosis for Maxwell Hairston. In the meantime, the 'next man up' mentality will be in full effect as the team looks to welcome back key offensive weapons and navigate the most challenging stretch of its young training camp. The resilience of this squad is about to face its first major test of 2025.
