The Buffalo Bills got some very unfortunate injury news on August 31 when it came to light that defensive tackle and former third round pick DeWayne Carter, would be out for the entire 2025 season with an Achilles tear, per Fox Sports insider Jordan Schultz.
The talented 2024 3rd-round pick was poised to be part of Buffalo’s defensive rotation this year. A tough blow.
“Sources: #Bills DT DeWayne Carter tore his Achilles and will miss the entire 2025 season.” Schultz tweeted. “The talented 2024 3rd-round pick was poised to be part of Buffalo’s defensive rotation this year. A tough blow.
DeWayne Carter Gets Crushing Injury Blow Before Season
Carter was originally one of five defensive tackles selected to the Bills‘ final roster, along with Ed Oliver, DaQuan Jones, and rookies Deone Walker and TJ Sanders.
The former Duke man was set to have an expanded role heading into year two, as an impact backup behind starters Oliver and Jones, but he will have to wait until next season to demonstrate his improved prowess on the field.
While the injury is devastating for Carter, he did manage to keep his head high amid one of his biggest career setbacks to date.
“This is all a part of my testimony. I will be back. John 13:7,” Carter posted on X later on Sunday afternoon after the news broke.
It turns out that the tear originally happened on August 27, according to ESPN’s Alaina Getzenberg, and after having done tests over the past few days the worst was confirmed.
Injury took place during Wednesday’s practice.
“Bills second-year defensive tackle DeWayne Carter tore his Achilles and has been ruled out for the season, source confirms, as @Schultz_Report said.” Getzenberg posted on X.
“Injury took place during Wednesday’s practice.”
What Does the Bills Defensive Front Look Like Ahead of the Regular Season?
The Buffalo Bills have got a fairly solid rotation with their top four guys. They also have veteran defensive tackle Jordan Phillips on the practice squad in what is his third stint with the organization.
Buffalo moved up considerably in the second round to take Sanders with the 41st overall pick of this year’s draft. The Bills gave up their two second-round picks (No. 56 and 62) along with a fourth-rounder to make the move, which is already paying off, according to SI’s Randy Gurzi.
Gurzi wrote on August 10 that the Bills “may have struck gold” for Sanders’ ability to defend against the run and close gaps.
Walker has equally had plaudits of his own this past training camp, including some standout preseason performances over the past month.
The Bills have historically liked to rotate their guys in and out of the lineup as much as any team when it comes to defensive line play. And with their four good players, there is no doubt that they can still be a high level unit in 2025.
Some might have reservations on the team potentially “gambling” on having only first year backups, but the team can always call upon Phillips to come in and solidify the room. Indeed, it wouldn’t be too surprising to see him be the one called up to the active roster as Carter moves to IR.
Bills Defensive Tackle Gets Heartbreaking Injury Prognosis