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By Rowan Fisher-Shotton
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Following back-to-back losses to the New England Patriots and Atlanta Falcons in Weeks 5 and 6, the Buffalo Bills entered their Week 7 bye in need of a spark.
On Wednesday, coach Sean McDermott provided just the update Bills fans have been waiting for.
After being placed on Injured Reserve to start the NFL season due to a knee injury, McDermott revealed that rookie first-round draft pick Maxwell Hairston is officially back practicing with the team.
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Hairston was designated to return from IR and began his 21-day practice window on Monday, but this latest update puts him on track to potentially rejoin the lineup ahead of Buffalo's Week 8 road test against the Carolina Panthers.
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Hairson arrived in the NFL after a productive college career at Kentucky, where he finished as a multi-year starter and, in 2023, led the SEC in interceptions (5), along with 68 total tackles (55 solo), two defensive touchdowns (led the conference) and one forced fumble, earning second-team All-SEC honors.
Leading up to the 2025 NFL draft, evaluators praised him for his length and instinct as a corner and one who can play "all forms of zone and man coverage."
His 4.28 40-yard dash time also made him the speediest CB in the draft, a trait that prompted the Bills to use the No. 30 overall pick to select him.
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Unfortunately, Hairson suffered a right LCL strain during training camp and was placed on IR on Aug. 26, forcing him to miss Buffalo's first six regular-season games after rehab and gradual sideline work through September and October.
The team's decision to designate him to return starts the 21-day clock in which the Bills must either activate Hairston to the 53-man roster or leave him on IR for the year.
Given that he's already returned to practice, however, the first option feels more likely.
Hairston's first chance to make his Bills debut could come as soon as this Sunday as the team travels to Bank of America Stadium to face the Panthers (4-3), a game in which Buffalo is currently considered a 7.5-point favorite.
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