Buffalo Bills, Falcons Place Multiple Defensive Starters on Injured Reserve

The Buffalo Bills are facing significant challenges on defense as safety Taylor Rapp has been placed on injured reserve due to a lingering knee injury dating back to training camp, sidelining him for at least four weeks. This follows the earlier loss of safety Damar Hamlin to IR due to a pectoral injury, leaving the Bills thin at the safety position. Head coach Sean McDermott confirmed that while Jordan Poyer is a logical replacement for Rapp, the team is considering several options, with Cole Bishop expected to start alongside Poyer against the Carolina Panthers. Additionally, defensive tackle DaQuan Jones and receiver Joshua Palmer are ruled out for the upcoming game but have more optimistic recovery timelines. The Bills also face uncertainty with other players listed as questionable, including linebackers and rookie cornerback Maxwell Hairston, who has recently returned to practice. These injuries come as the Bills aim to rebound after a two-game losing streak, highlighting the need for strategic adjustments to maintain their competitive edge.