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

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].

Tre'von Moehrig Lavishes Praise on the One Who Replaced Him in His Absence
Can you believe it? A veteran star of the Carolina Panthers, Tre'von Moehrig, was suspended for a notorious "punch below the belt," but instead of being jealous, he's showering praise on his "replacement"! What's going on with this team? Read now for the "hot off the press" details from Week 13! The Carolina Panthers just caused an earthquake by defeating the Los Angeles Rams in Week 13, despite missing a slew of key players. Under the "wizardry" of head coach Dave Canales, the team showcased incredible resilience. But the real spotlight belongs to Tre'von Moehrig – the Panthers' top safety, who's sidelined due to a suspension after punching wide receiver Jauan Jennings from the San Francisco 49ers below the belt. Yet, instead of sulking, Moehrig watched from home and... "went wild" over the performance of the rookie who stepped in for him! That's none other than Lathan Ransom, the young gun selected in the 4th round of the draft, who "stole" Moehrig's spot and turned it into his own stage. Ransom not only led the team with 11 tackles but also made his mark with a "top-notch" sack! Moehrig, with his wealth of experience, couldn't hide his excitement: "Man, I was hype (for Lathan Ransom's sack). I could see it all as the play was happening. I was like, Oh, there you go. I could see it all the way. So I was happy for him to get his first sack. He had a great game, and I'm just excited. Sky's the limit for him." (Translation: "Oh man, I was so hyped (for Lathan Ransom's sack). I could see everything as the play unfolded. I was like, Oh, there you go. I saw it all the way. So I was happy for him to get his first sack. He had a great game, and I'm just excited. The sky's the limit for him." This "sweet as honey" praise from Moehrig not only affirms Ransom's talent but also raises the question: Is this "replacement" threatening the starting positions of Moehrig and Nick Scott – the current starting safety duo? Panthers fans have been "whispering" about this for a while, after witnessing Ransom shine in summer practices and his flashy cameo appearances. With this impressive performance, Ransom is sure to get more opportunities, especially as the Panthers are "heating up" in the race for the NFC South championship! At 23 years old, Ransom is seen as a "rough diamond" with explosive potential, thanks to the Panthers' sharp personnel strategy. And Moehrig? This guy was signed as a "bargain" from the free agent market, and his leadership and positive attitude have completely transformed the team's defense in just his first season. That influence is spreading strongly to Ransom – the kid who shares many similarities and is gradually "transforming" into a future star. But that's not all – the lesson from Moehrig is accelerating the "youth revolution" at the Panthers! With this public praise, Moehrig isn't just acknowledging Ransom's growth but also igniting ambition for the entire team. Will the Panthers continue to "soar high" with this new generation? Don't miss out – follow now for the next drama in the NFL!