What's Happening?
Buffalo Bills defensive tackle DeWayne Carter has suffered a torn Achilles, ruling him out for the entire 2025 NFL season. The injury was first reported by NFL Insider Jordan Schultz and later confirmed by Carter himself through social media posts. Carter, a third-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, was expected to be a key part of the Bills' defensive line rotation this season. Despite not standing out in training camp, Carter had shown promise during his rookie year, playing in 11 games and making two starts. His injury is a significant setback for the Bills, who have invested heavily in their defensive tackle position over the past two drafts.
Why It's Important?
Carter's injury is a major blow to the Buffalo Bills' defensive line depth, as he was anticipated to contribute significantly this season. The loss of a young, developing player like Carter could impact the team's defensive performance, particularly in their ability to stop the run and pressure opposing quarterbacks. The Bills will now need to rely more heavily on their remaining defensive tackles, including veterans Ed Oliver and DaQuan Jones, as well as rookies T.J. Sanders and Deone Walker. Additionally, the team may need to explore options on their practice squad or free agency to fill the void left by Carter's absence.
What's Next?
With Carter sidelined, the Bills will likely look to their practice squad for reinforcements. Jordan Phillips, who has previous experience with the team, and Zion Logue are potential candidates to be elevated to the active roster. The team may also consider signing additional free agents to bolster their defensive line depth. The Bills' coaching staff will need to adjust their defensive strategies to compensate for Carter's absence, potentially altering their rotation and play-calling to maximize the effectiveness of their remaining players.
