The Buffalo Bills have enjoyed a strong start at 5-2, and their defense has been a clear driver of that success, ranking ninth in points allowed (20.9 per game). Sunday’s 40-9 win over the Carolina Panthers highlighted the unit’s depth when healthy and Oliver had been a big part of it since returning from an ankle issue, posting 12 combined tackles, three sacks and a forced fumble across three games.
Still, the defensive line has been banged up: DaQuan Jones missed the past two games with a calf problem and rookie T.J. Sanders is already on injured reserve, leaving Buffalo thinner than usual up front.
Advertisement
The bad news came late in the Panthers game. On a three-yard rush just before the two-minute warning, Oliver fell to the turf, instinctively flexed his left arm and was helped off by trainers. He briefly entered the medical tent, walked to the locker room and was ruled out for the remainder of the game.
More: Justin Fields gives emotional response after New York Jets’ first win of NFL season
The team fears a torn biceps and Oliver is undergoing an MRI to confirm the diagnosis, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter. If confirmed, the injury would sideline him indefinitely and further strain a defensive front already coping with multiple absences.
Advertisement
Bills fear that standout DT Ed Oliver tore his bicep and will be sidelined indefinitely, per sources. Oliver is undergoing an MRI to confirm the injury. pic.twitter.com/zkv1SItWst
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 27, 2025
With Oliver expected to miss time, veteran Larry Ogunjobi, recently back from a six-game suspension, is the most likely internal option to step into a larger role. Ogunjobi’s experience gives Buffalo a ready, proven body to lean on while younger or less-tested players fill other snaps.
The Bills must also manage without DaQuan Jones and with T.J. Sanders on IR, which will force rotation and possibly carry more responsibilities for depth defenders. Buffalo’s next game follows this Week 8 win, the provided information did not list the opponent. For now the team waits on the MRI and braces for the challenge of replacing one of its key interior playmakers.
Advertisement
—Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead—
NFL:New York Giants dealt huge offensive injury blow against Philadelphia Eagles
CFB:LSU pulls the plug on Brian Kelly era
NBA:Wild Terry Rozier stat revealed on ‘Inside the NBA’ amid FBI sports betting scandal
MMA:UFC 321 results: Mackenzie Dern wins gold, Gruesome eye poke ends night
MLB:3 reasons to root for Toronto Blue Jays in 2025 World Series