Landon Jackson Out Early in First Quarter
Landon Jackson of the Buffalo Bills was helped off the field Sunday during the team’s matchup against the Miami Dolphins. The rookie edge rusher’s injury forced the Bills to play with just three healthy edge rushers for most of the game, a critical blow to a defense already thin at the position.
Jackson, the Bills’ third-round pick (72nd overall) out of Arkansas, is a 6-foot-6, 264-pounder who has seen limited action during his rookie season. Prior to Sunday, he had played only 16 defensive snaps and five special teams snaps against the New England Patriots in Week 5, and another 12 defensive plus five special teams snaps against the Atlanta Falcons the following week. The Bills lost both games, their only defeats this season before facing Miami.
History of Knee Injuries
Video from Sunday shows Jackson grabbing at his knee during a play in the first quarter. SB Nation Bills reporter Rachel Auberger described the play: “On a second-down play, Miami Dolphins running back Jaylen Wright tried to push for the first down. Jackson was seen on his back clutching his knee. After the whistle, the rookie edge rusher ripped his helmet off as trainers came to assist him.”
Jackson, 22, has a history of significant knee injuries. He tore his left ACL in high school at Pleasant Grove High School in Texarkana, Texas, and suffered another left ACL tear during his freshman season at LSU. He transferred to Arkansas, where he played three seasons for the Razorbacks without further injury at the professional level—until Sunday.
Possibly a New Knee Injury
Reports indicate that Jackson may have injured his right knee, according to Dr. Kyle Trimble, who monitors Bills injuries. If correct, this would mark a new injury rather than a recurrence of his previous ACL tears. NFL Network reporter Cameron Wolfe confirmed that Jackson was quickly ruled out for the game after leaving early in the first quarter, further straining the Bills’ defensive depth.
With Michael Hoecht already out for the season due to a torn Achilles and AJ Espensa sidelined, Jackson’s absence leaves fifth-round pick Javon Solomon as the only edge rusher available to rotate with Joey Bosa and Greg Rousseau.
Other Defensive Injuries
The Bills defense has faced multiple injury setbacks this season. Bosa missed practice on Wednesday with a wrist injury and appeared in a brace during Sunday’s game. Cornerback Tre’Davious White briefly left the game after landing on his left shoulder but was later cleared to return.
Impact on the Team
Jackson’s injury is another challenge for the Bills’ defense, already facing depth issues. Playing shorthanded against a physical Dolphins offense tested Buffalo’s resilience and highlighted the importance of depth in the defensive rotation.
Conclusion
Landon Jackson’s early exit against Miami underscores the fragility of the Bills’ defensive line this season. With injuries mounting, the team will need to rely on its remaining healthy edge rushers to maintain defensive pressure and compete at a high level as the season progresses.
