Hairston landed on IR-designated-to-return after a knee LCL sprain from a training-camp misstep, setting him back four games with Week 5 eligibility. Buffalo’s corner depth is strained with Tre’Davious White sidelined, pushing veterans and rookies into larger roles behind Christian Benford. Buffalo cut 27 players to reach the 53; Michael Hoecht and Larry Ogunjobi were moved to reserve/suspended lists and can return in Week 8. The opening slate hinges on how the defense retools its secondary depth.

Fantasy angles point to Hairston’s return window, the implied uptick in Benford’s outside-corner workload, and how rookies like Ja’Marcus Ingram, Dorian Strong, and Brandon Codrington may surface in Week 1-4 rotations. If White’s absence lingers, the Bills’ pass defense could tilt toward a heavier Benford/rookie mix, impacting streamer decisions and waiver priorities in deeper leagues.

The Buffalo Bills bolstered their secondary during the 2025 NFL Draft by selecting Virginia Tech cornerback Dorian Strong with the 177th overall pick in Round 6. This move follows earlier selections of cornerbacks Max Hairston and Jordan Hancock, showcasing Buffalo's commitment to enhancing their defensive backfield. Strong, projected as a fourth-round talent, is known for his zone coverage skills but requires improvement in his overall agility and movement patterns to adapt to the NFL level.

With 112 tackles, seven interceptions, and 28 passes defended over 53 games, Strong brings valuable experience and depth behind established players like Hairston and Tre'Davious White. His potential role in special teams adds another layer to his value within the Bills' roster as they aim for a stronger defensive presence in the upcoming season.