Buffalo Bills Star Defensive Tackle is Officially Out for Week 2

During Week 1 of the 2025 NFL season, the Buffalo Bills’ defense struggled to contain Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry, who dominated their primetime matchup. Despite failing to stop Henry, defensive tackle Ed Oliver forced a crucial fourth-quarter fumble, allowing the Bills to steal a 41-40 victory. The Bills will have to find a way to overcome an ankle injury to Oliver and still improve their run defense against the New York Jets.

As the Bills prepare to face their first division foe, the New York Jets, they will be without Oliver. NFL Insider Adam Schefter reported Thursday that Oliver injured his ankle in practice and was seen in a boot. Yesterday, Schefter confirmed Oliver will be ruled out for this week’s game and listed on the Bills’ official injury report.

The injury to Oliver comes at a difficult time for the Bills, especially since backup defensive tackle DeWayne Carter is already out for the season with a torn Achilles tendon. Oliver’s absence gives rookies T.J. Sanders and Deone Walker a chance to step up. Last week, Oliver recorded six tackles, three tackles for loss, one sack, and a quarterback hurry.

In addition to replacing Oliver against the Jets, signs indicate his ankle injury will keep him out for multiple weeks. Head coach Sean McDermott said the injury happened in practice when another player stepped on Oliver’s foot. Now, Oliver is wearing a boot and using a scooter on the field.

With short notice, the Bills’ defense will need to find a solution to the problem caused by Oliver’s injury by finding players who can help lessen the blow of Oliver’s injury. While the Jets offense does not have the dominant talent of running back Derrick Henry, New York will likely be ready to establish their running game early. The quality of Buffalo’s defensive depth chart will be tested early during the 2025 season.