Maxwell Hairston: Everything you need to know

Hairston (ankle) tallied 18 total tackles (14 solo) and five passes defensed, including two interceptions, over 11 regular-season games in 2025. Hairston, a 2025 first-round pick from Kentucky, missed eight games (including playoffs) during his rookie campaign due to knee, ankle and head injuries. Despite this, the 22-year-old was productive when healthy, tying for second on the team in interceptions while ranking third in passes defensed. Additionally, Hairston tied for the third-most interceptions among rookie defenders. He's expected to start as one of Buffalo's top boundary corners ahead of the 2026 season.

Head coach Sean McDermott told reporters Thursday that Hairston (ankle) won't play in Saturday's divisional-round matchup against the Broncos, Matt Parrino of The Syracuse Post-Standard reports. Despite recording three total tackles across 42 defensive snaps in the Bills' Week 18 win over the Jets, Hairston is now in line to miss his second consecutive game due to an ankle injury. The 2025 first-round pick from Kentucky has appeared in 11 regular-season contests, posting 18 total tackles and five passes defensed, including two interceptions. While he's sidelined Saturday, expect Dane Jackson to operate as Buffalo's top reserve outside corner.

Hairston (ankle) was not on the field during Wednesday's practice, Alaina Getzenberg of ESPN.com reports. Hairston was unable to participate in the Bills' wild-card victory over the Jaguars last Sunday due to an ankle injury that kept him out of practice during the week. The rookie cornerback has continued the trend of non-participation through Week 20, missing consecutive practices to start the week. Unless Hairston can upgrade his participation level in Thursday's session, he will likely miss the Bills' divisional round matchup with the Broncos on Saturday as well.