DeWayne Carter, a recent practice-squad elevation for veteran influence, provides interior defensive depth and a platform to grow alongside Peppers’ veteran addition. Carter’s presence adds rotational depth and special-teams value as Buffalo navigates a youth-forward safety group.

Carter’s season-ending injury tightens Buffalo’s front but opens questions about interior run defense and rotational depth. Fantasy managers should monitor replacements and any potential role shifting on Buffalo’s defensive line as the season unfolds.

DeWayne Carter’s Achilles injury creates a hole in Buffalo’s interior DL depth just before 2025. Carter flashed as a rookie with 14 tackles, 5 for loss, and 3 QB hits across 11 games in 2024. His season-ending injury forces a tighter rotation and more snaps for others, notably Ed Oliver, and pushes Logue and Phillips into potential 53-man roster consideration sooner than expected.

Carter’s Achilles injury wipes out his rookie season role in Buffalo’s interior rotation, elevating the need for reserve depth and potential hot-named replacements. His absence creates wider paths for backups to contribute, potentially influencing early-season IDP targets and Bills’ D-line fantasy upside.

DeWayne Carter tore his Achilles during Wednesday practice, ending his season with Buffalo after posters of a breakout second year. He was projected to anchor rotations along the Bills’ interior defensive line, making his absence a meaningful early-season adjustment. The injury clarifies the Bills’ need to lean on in-house depth rather than pursuing an immediate veteran addition.