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Buffalo Bills open practice window hinting at rookie cornerback’s return

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The Buffalo Bills are inching closer to seeing their first-round rookie back on the field, officially opening the 21-day practice window for cornerback Maxwell Hairston — a key step toward his long-awaited NFL debut.

Hairston, selected 30th overall in April’s draft, was viewed as a long-term piece alongside Christian Benford in Buffalo’s secondary. But a late-July LCL sprain derailed those plans, landing him on injured reserve before the season even began.

Now, Buffalo has three weeks to evaluate him in practice before deciding whether to activate him to the 53-man roster. If not, he’ll remain on IR for the rest of the year.

Head coach Sean McDermott didn’t make any bold predictions but said, “We’re seeing real progress from Maxwell.” The rookie has been spotted working with the training staff in recent sessions, including before the Week 6 matchup against Atlanta — a clear sign he’s trending upward.

Hairston’s potential return couldn’t come at a better time. The Bills’ defense has been ravaged by injuries — with rookie Dorian Strong and safety Damar Hamlin both sidelined — leaving the secondary dangerously thin. Even so, Buffalo ranks second in the NFL in pass defense (181.2 yards per game allowed), showing strong discipline and depth despite the setbacks.

The run defense, however, has been an issue — giving up 156.3 rushing yards per game, one of the worst marks in the league. Hairston may not fix that single-handedly, but his coverage skills could free up the safeties to play closer to the line, helping balance Buffalo’s defense.

Clocking a blazing 4.28-second 40-yard dash, Hairston combines elite speed with natural ball instincts, tallying six interceptions during his Kentucky career. If he’s back to full strength, expect him to start opposite Benford, forming a dynamic young cornerback duo capable of matching up against any AFC wideout corps.


Bills fans are buzzing to see whether Maxwell Hairston can make an immediate impact and help spark a defensive resurgence in Buffalo’s playoff push. What’s your prediction for his debut performance? Leave a comment, share this story, and check out our exclusive NFL-inspired collection at [SHOP NOW].

Eagles, 49ers, Colts All Want Him — And Jerry Jones Says the Cowboys Already Won It
Eagles, 49ers, Colts All Want Him — And Jerry Jones Says the Cowboys Already Won It The phone lines are heating up across the league. With the Trey Hendrickson trade clock ticking, multiple teams—among them the Dallas Cowboys—are circling. According to reports, the San Francisco 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles and Indianapolis Colts are all potential suitors for the elite pass rusher. Dallas, however, may have an edge: the belief that Hendrickson prefers the star on his helmet over any other logo. Why Dallas Is More Than Just Listed When you look at the Cowboys’ roster and need areas of improvement, the pass-rush stands out loud and clear. In a division where every second counts, adding a game-changer off the edge could be the difference between contending and just showing up. Sources indicate Hendrickson’s name is linked to Dallas not just as a possibility — but as a stated preference. CBS Sports+1 That preference doesn’t happen by accident. Combine a willingness to spend, cap room, and a massive platform to shine, and Dallas checks a lot of boxes. Jerry Jones Keeping It Plainspoken Cowboys owner-chairman Jerry Jones didn’t mince words when asked about the chase: “Look, I’ve heard the Eagles, the Colts, the Niners — they all want a shot at him. And that’s fine. But Trey knows where the star shines the brightest. If a player tells you, ‘If it’s not Dallas, I’m not going,’ that means something. That means he understands what it means to wear this star on his helmet. And let me tell you this — if Trey Hendrickson wants to be a Cowboy, then I’m going to open that door wide and roll out the blue carpet. Because here in Dallas, we don’t chase players… players chase the star.” That tone screams one thing: Dallas doesn’t view this as a backup plan. They view this as destiny. What It Would Take — And What It Would Provide The logistics are significant. Hendrickson is under contract with the Cincinnati Bengals, and if they’re open to a deal, they’ll demand serious compensation: high-end draft picks, perhaps a premium player. CBS Sports+1 But what Dallas would gain is immediate: an All-Pro pass rusher who can change games from the first snap. For a defense looking to flip the switch, that could be a seismic upgrade. Final Word In the swirling rumor mill of the NFL trade season, many names come and go. But when the Cowboys surface as a top option — and the player in question reportedly leans their way — it stops being speculation and starts becoming strategy. If Hendrickson is indeed looking for a home, Dallas might already be rolling out the welcome mat.