• The Buffalo Bills DeWayne Carter injury, a torn Achilles, will sideline the defensive tackle for the entire 2025 NFL season.
• Carter, a 2024 third-round pick, was injured during practice, impacting Buffalo’s defensive line depth as they faced the Baltimore Ravens in Week 1.
• The Bills will lean on veterans Ed Oliver and DaQuan Jones, with rookies and practice squad players stepping up.
• Stay updated on how Buffalo adjusts their roster to compensate for this significant loss.

A Major Setback for the Buffalo Bills

As a die-hard Bills fan who’s followed the team through thick and thin, the news of the Buffalo Bills DeWayne Carter injury hits hard. Just as the 2025 NFL season is about to kick off, the team announced that defensive tackle DeWayne Carter suffered a season-ending Achilles tear during practice on August 27, 2025. This injury is a tough blow for a squad aiming to make a deep playoff run, and it leaves a noticeable gap in their defensive front.

NFL insider Jordan Schultz broke the news on X, confirming that Carter’s injury will keep him out for all of 2025. Carter himself took to social media with an uplifting message: “God’s plan is bigger than mine. I’ll be back stronger. #BillsMafia.” His positivity is a reminder of why fans love his grit, but the DeWayne Carter season-ending injury means Buffalo’s coaching staff will need to get creative fast.

DeWayne Carter’s Role and Rookie Impact

For those new to the Bills’ roster, DeWayne Carter was a third-round pick (No. 95 overall) in the 2024 NFL Draft out of Duke University. As a rookie, he showed promise in 11 games, including three starts, with stats that underscored his potential:

• 14 tackles, five of which were for loss, showing his ability to disrupt plays.
• Three quarterback hits, proving he could pressure opposing offenses.
• One pass defended, adding versatility to his game.

Despite a wrist injury in 2024 that forced him to miss five games, Carter had standout moments, like a clutch fourth-down stop against the Tennessee Titans that helped secure a comeback win. That play had Highmark Stadium rocking and cemented his reputation as a rising star. The Buffalo Bills DeWayne Carter injury now puts his sophomore season on hold, leaving fans wondering how the team will adjust.

How the Injury Affects Buffalo’s Defense

The Buffalo Bills defensive tackle injury comes at a challenging time. With the season opener against the Baltimore Ravens set for September 7, 2025, Buffalo’s defensive line depth is under scrutiny. Carter was expected to be a key rotational player alongside starters Ed Oliver and DaQuan Jones. To make matters worse, veteran Larry Ogunjobi is suspended for the first six games of 2025 due to a violation of the NFL’s performance-enhancing substances policy, per ESPN reports.

Without Carter, the Bills will rely on:

• Ed Oliver and DaQuan Jones: These veterans are the heart of the defensive line, but they’ll face increased pressure to perform consistently.
• T.J. Sanders and Deone Walker: Two rookies who now have to step up sooner than expected. Think of them as understudies suddenly thrust into starring roles on Broadway—talented but untested.
• Practice squad options: The Bills have two defensive tackles on their practice squad who could be elevated to the 53-man roster.

Filling the Gap: Practice Squad and Beyond

To address the Buffalo Bills DeWayne Carter injury, the team has a couple of immediate options on their practice squad:

• Jordan Phillips: A veteran with 11 years of NFL experience, Phillips is a familiar face in Buffalo, having played three previous stints with the team. Last season, he made a splash with a sack on Patrick Mahomes in the AFC Championship Game. He’s a strong candidate to join the active roster, though he’ll need time to ramp up.
• Zion Logue: A younger player signed off Atlanta’s practice squad in 2024, Logue saw action in two games for Buffalo last year. He’s less experienced but offers depth.

The Bills could also explore the free-agent market or consider a trade before the NFL trade deadline in early November 2025. For now, head coach Sean McDermott and defensive coordinator Bobby Babich will need to rely on their depth and coaching expertise to keep the defense stout. As someone who’s watched McDermott turn challenges into opportunities, I’m optimistic they’ll find a way to adapt.

A Personal Note on Carter’s Resilience

The DeWayne Carter season-ending injury is more than just a roster issue—it’s a human story. I’ve followed Carter since his Duke days, where he was a first-team All-ACC standout with 5.5 sacks in 2022. His energy on the field is infectious, and his response to this setback shows the same character. Quoting John 13:7 on social media, Carter wrote, “You may not understand now, but you will later.” His wife, Amanda, added, “The comeback is always greater than the setback,” which resonates with anyone who’s faced adversity.

This reminds me of other Bills players who’ve overcome injuries, like linebacker Matt Milano, who battled back from a 2023 leg injury to anchor the defense in 2024. Carter’s journey to recovery will be tough, but at 24, he’s got time and talent on his side. I’m already looking forward to seeing him dominate in 2026.

What’s Next for the Bills in 2025?

The Buffalo Bills DeWayne Carter injury is a hurdle, but this team has faced bigger challenges. With a talented roster led by Josh Allen and a coaching staff known for its adaptability, Buffalo is still a contender. The defensive line will lean on Oliver and Jones, with Sanders and Walker getting early opportunities to shine. Keep an eye on Bills Wire for roster updates, and expect the Bills Mafia to rally behind Carter as he begins his rehab.

As a fan, I’m disappointed but not discouraged. The Bills have a knack for turning setbacks into comebacks, and I believe they’ll find a way to keep their defense strong. What do you think—can Buffalo’s young defensive tackles rise to the occasion? Share your thoughts below, and let’s keep cheering for the Bills as they chase that Super Bowl in 2025!

Aliha

Hi, I’m Aliha! I’ve been a huge NFL fan for as long as I can remember, and I love sharing my thoughts, updates, and insights about the game. Whether it’s big plays, team news, or behind-the-scenes stories, writing about the NFL gives me a chance to connect with fellow fans who share the same passion for football.