Despite a recent lull in injuries for the Buffalo Bills, they’ve been hit again, this time affecting rookie DeWayne Carter.
The team has faced numerous injuries this season but has managed to maintain a 5-2 record, even with several key defensive players sidelined for most games. As they’ve started to regain some health during a two-week winning streak, they received disappointing news: Carter, a third-round defensive tackle, was ruled out for the upcoming game against the Seahawks due to a wrist injury and is expected to miss more time.
Head coach Sean McDermott announced on WGR radio that Carter will need surgery on his wrist, and he is anticipated to be sidelined for several weeks. However, McDermott did not confirm whether Carter would be placed on injured reserve. Interestingly, Carter was seen at practice in uniform, which raises questions given McDermott’s earlier statements.
Regardless of his IR status, it seems the Bills will be without Carter for the foreseeable future. He has shown significant improvement in recent games, stepping up to fill the role of veteran Ed Oliver. While defensive tackle statistics may not always be impressive, Carter’s impact is evident in his film.
In the past four games, including two starts, Carter recorded nine tackles, four tackles for loss, two quarterback hits, a batted pass, five pressures, and three run-stuffs. His ability to disrupt plays in the backfield has been crucial, helping to keep linebackers Terrel Bernard (who is also out against the Seahawks) and Dorian Williams performing well. With the Bills’ rotation on the defensive line, losing Carter is a significant blow.
Carter has made numerous key defensive plays recently, particularly in stopping runs on crucial third and fourth downs. In the coming weeks, the Bills will face the Seahawks, Dolphins, Colts, and Chiefs, all of whom have strong running backs, and Carter could miss all these matchups.
