Good news for Buffalo Bills fans, first round pick Maxwell Hairston has had his return window opened. Bad news for Bills fans, this does not mean that the 31st overall selection will be on the playing field any time soon.
NFL insider Ian Rappaport provided the promising update.
What The ’21-Day Window’ Means For Maxwell Hairston
By opening the 21-day window, the Bills have committed to bringing the rookie cornerback back into the fold in the next three weeks. It does not mean that he has been lifted from the injured reserve yet.
Just last week, head coach Sean McDermott told reporters that his return was on the horizon. Saying that he was heading in the right direction and teasing that an announcement like this may be coming after the bye.
If the rookie is not elevated by the end of this three week period, he will be moved to the season ending IR. So it’s safe to say that his return is imminent.
Bills Need Health In Defensive Backfield
As far as production goes, the Buffalo Bills have held their own. The team is second in the NFL in fewest passing yards allowed. Of course, this is partially due to the fact that each and every football team they have played has been able to run the football to no end.
But when it comes to injuries, they are really starting to pile up. Fellow rookie cornerback, Dorian Strong, had his season ended a few weeks ago. Safety Damar Hamlin may have suffered the same fate, as he was placed on the IR a few days before the team’s Week 7 loss to the Atlanta Falcons.
Coach McDermott said the safety would be getting surgery for his injured pec.
The depth pieces in this room include Ja’Marcus Ingram and Brandon Corrington, who have played just eight snaps combined in the last four games.
Luckily, a team has not exposed the Bills’ corners yet. But on paper, Hairston’s return certainly feels like a big add.
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