The Buffalo Bills received good news regarding rookie cornerback Maxwell Hairston’s knee injury sustained during Tuesday’s practice.
Early concerns of an ACL tear were ruled out, with NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reporting that Hairston instead suffered an LCL sprain. He could be back on the field in as few as three weeks, keeping him on pace to play in Week 1.
The first-round draft pick from Kentucky is a key part of Buffalo’s revamped secondary after the departures of Rasul Douglas and Kaiir Elam. The team also secured Christian Benford with an extension and brought back veterans Tre’Davious White and Dane Jackson to strengthen the cornerback group.
Hairston’s injury comes amid off-field challenges, as he faces a civil lawsuit over a 2021 sexual assault allegation from his time at Kentucky. Hairston denies the accusation, saying he was cleared after thorough investigations by both police and the university. Bills GM Brandon Beane has stated the organization conducted its own review and believes Hairston was wrongly accused.
Despite both the injury and legal issues, Hairston is expected to play a vital role in the Bills’ defense this season.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].