Bills HC Sean McDermott Shares Devastating Update on Rookie CB
Buffalo Bills cornerback Dorian Strong got off to a torrid start to his career, starting in Week 1 this year and helping spark a comeback win over the Baltimore Ravens.
But Strong now faces an uncertain future for this season — and potentially his career — after suffering a neck injury and being placed on injured reserve. Bills head coach Sean McDermott gave a worrying update on Strong this week, saying the injury has not progressed the way the team hoped and that he had some private conversations with Strong about the injury.
Dorian Strong ‘Not Good’ After Injury Update
McDermott did not give many specific details on Strong, but told reporters on Monday that the rookie cornerback’s outlook was “not good” and added that he would not say more out of respect for the player.
“I do have some more clarity, it’s not good in terms of the reports and everything,” said McDermott. “I don’t want to get into where it may go. It’s not moving in the direction we would like it to at this point. I’ll stop there just out of respect for Dorian.”
Strong had appeared in four games this season with one start. He made 10 total tackles and showed some promise in coverage, slowly gaining more playing time after he was pressed into action during the season-opening win over the Ravens. The Bills faced injuries to both Tre’Davious White and fellow rookie Maxwell Hairston to start the season, prompting them to turn to Strong over veteran Dane Jackson or JaMarcus Ingram.
McDermott also found places for Strong to play in the next three games, sometimes benching White for a drive in order to get Strong into the game.
That came to an end when he suffered a neck injury against the New Orleans Saints, prompting the team to place him on injured reserve in Week 5.
Bills Find Another Standout Rookie for the Secondary
While Strong’s future remains uncertain, the Bills have turned to another rookie cornerback to help lead their secondary. Hairston returned to action in a Week 8 win over the Carolina Panthers, his first action since suffering a knee injury in training camp and starting the season on injured reserve.
Hairston performed well in the team’s win over the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, locking down speedy wide receiver Xavier Worthy and intercepting a pass from quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
McDermott said he was proud of the poise the team’s first-round pick showed against one of the league’s best passing offenses.
“You’ve got to think, this is only his second game in the NFL,”
“You’ve got to think, this is only his second game in the NFL,” said Head Coach Sean McDermott on the rookie’s big moment. “Pretty big introduction into the NFL, this type of game. So, really proud of him.”
“Pretty big introduction into the NFL, this type of game. So, really proud of him.”
Hairston was excited after the game, saying he trusted himself.
“I got my first interception on Pat Mahomes,” Hairston said. “Just trusting what I see, being at the right spot, doing my 1/11th, and the ball found me.”
Geno Smith Takes Responsibility After Raiders' 34-10 Loss to Commanders: “We Need to Execute”
Landover, Maryland – The Las Vegas Raiders’ hopes of turning their season around took a massive hit with a disappointing 34-10 loss to the Washington Commanders on September 21, 2025. The game, which was expected to be a competitive showdown, ended in a blowout, leaving the Raiders with more questions than answers. Quarterback Geno Smith, who was expected to lead the team, took full responsibility for the loss, but he made it clear that the Raiders’ struggles were not just about him.
“We Need to Execute”
Smith, who completed 17 of 28 passes for 196 yards and one touchdown, was visibly frustrated in the postgame press conference. While he acknowledged the team’s struggles, he didn’t shy away from taking responsibility for the offensive shortcomings.
His words echoed a sentiment that had been missing in the Raiders' locker room for the past few weeks: accountability. Despite flashes of potential, Smith’s inability to lead the team to a comeback in the second half was a major factor in the loss. The Raiders’ offense was sluggish all game, with penalties and turnovers stalling any momentum they tried to build.
The Struggles of the Offense
The Raiders' offensive struggles were clear from the start. After a promising first drive that ended in a field goal, the offense went quiet. Smith’s deep throws, which had been a point of emphasis throughout the week, were largely ineffective. Multiple passes to wide receivers like Davante Adams and Hunter Renfrow fell short, and the offense found itself in predictable, third-and-long situations.
Despite the presence of star players like Adams and Josh Jacobs, the Raiders’ inability to convert on third downs and execute explosive plays kept them from keeping up with the Commanders.
The Commanders’ Dominance
Meanwhile, the Washington Commanders capitalized on every opportunity. Commanders quarterback Sam Howell threw for 265 yards and two touchdowns, while running back Brian Robinson Jr. added another 75 yards on the ground. Washington’s offense moved with ease against a Raiders defense that couldn’t make enough stops, particularly in the second half when the game was still within reach.
The Commanders forced two turnovers, and their defense pressured Smith throughout the game, making it difficult for the Raiders to get anything going. The disparity between the two teams was stark, with the Raiders looking flat and unable to recover after falling behind early.
Looking Forward
With the loss, the Raiders dropped to 1-2, and their chances of competing in a stacked AFC West are growing slimmer by the week. Smith and the offense will need to bounce back quickly if they hope to avoid falling too far behind.
“Next week, we come back stronger,” Smith promised, reflecting the urgency that will need to be present in the coming weeks. The Raiders face a tough challenge next week as they take on the Chicago Bears, a game that will be crucial for their hopes of turning the season around.
Upcoming Games:
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Las Vegas Raiders @ Chicago Bears on Sunday, Sep 28, 2025 at 01:05 PM PDT
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Las Vegas Raiders vs Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, Oct 5, 2025 at 01:25 PM PDT
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Las Vegas Raiders @ Green Bay Packers on Sunday, Oct 12, 2025 at 01:05 PM PDT
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Las Vegas Raiders vs Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, Oct 19, 2025 at 01:05 PM PDT
As the Raiders move forward, the focus must be on improving their execution on offense and finding ways to bounce back. If they’re going to compete in the AFC, it starts with consistency and accountability. The coming weeks will reveal if Smith and the Raiders can turn this rough patch into a stepping stone or if their season will spiral further.
