ORCHARD PARK, NY – January 16, 2026 – In a development that has sent ripples of concern through Bills Mafia, head coach Sean McDermott delivered sobering news on Thursday regarding the status of two key defensive backs ahead of Saturday’s high-stakes AFC Divisional Round matchup against the Denver Broncos at Mile High Stadium.

Safety Jordan Poyer (hamstring) and cornerback Maxwell Hairston (ankle) have officially been ruled out for the contest, McDermott confirmed during his weekly radio appearance and subsequent press briefing. The announcement leaves the Buffalo Bills’ secondary significantly shorthanded at a time when defensive cohesion and playmaking in the back seven are paramount against a Broncos offense that has shown explosive potential throughout the playoffs.

Poyer, the veteran safety who returned to Buffalo this season and quickly re-established himself as a tone-setter in the defensive backfield, has been battling a nagging hamstring injury for weeks. The issue first surfaced prominently in Week 16 against the Cleveland Browns, sidelining him for multiple games down the stretch of the regular season. Despite pushing through to suit up for the Wild Card victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars, Poyer re-aggravated the injury early in that contest, exiting before halftime and missing the remainder of the game.

The 34-year-old’s physicality, instincts, and leadership have been vital for a Bills defense that ranked among the league’s better units in pass coverage this year. His absence creates a noticeable void in communication and run support, forcing the coaching staff to turn to less experienced or situational options.

Stepping into Poyer’s role will likely fall to a combination of players, including rookie Jordan Hancock, who saw extended snaps after Poyer’s exit against Jacksonville but struggled to contain certain routes and run fits. Veteran depth pieces such as Cam Lewis could see increased responsibilities, while safety Damar Hamlin—recently activated from Injured Reserve after a pectoral injury—remains questionable but has practiced fully this week and offers valuable experience. McDermott has indicated a cautious, week-to-week approach with several players, emphasizing that the team will continue evaluating options right up until kickoff.

The situation at cornerback is equally concerning with the absence of Maxwell Hairston, the highly touted first-round rookie who flashed elite potential during his debut campaign. Hairston suffered a significant ankle injury late in the fourth quarter of the regular-season finale against the New York Jets, forcing him to exit the game and subsequently appear in a walking boot. The injury kept him sidelined for the Wild Card round and has now cost him a second consecutive postseason appearance.

Known for his length, ball skills, and ability to match up with speed receivers on the boundary, Hairston’s unavailability further thins an already tested secondary group.

With Tre’Davious White and other boundary corners expected to shoulder heavier loads, the Bills may lean more heavily on nickel packages and adjust their scheme to protect against Denver’s dynamic passing attack. The Broncos, led by a veteran quarterback and a receiving corps capable of stretching the field, will undoubtedly look to exploit these absences through quick rhythms, deep shots, and motion-heavy concepts designed to create mismatches.

Beyond Poyer and Hairston, the injury report remains fluid for several other contributors. Running back Ty Johnson (ankle), who missed the Jaguars game entirely, has not practiced fully this week and carries a questionable designation as McDermott adopts a “similar approach” to last week—evaluating daily and hoping for a late-week upgrade. Defensive tackle Ed Oliver (biceps), wide receiver Curtis Samuel (elbow), and safety Damar Hamlin (pectoral) all sit in the questionable category after opening their 21-day practice windows from Injured Reserve.

Oliver has been limited, while Samuel and Hamlin have practiced fully, offering hope that at least some reinforcements could arrive in time.

The timing of these absences could not be more challenging. The Bills enter this divisional round contest riding momentum from a gritty Wild Card win, but the defensive injuries threaten to disrupt the rhythm that has defined their postseason push. Buffalo’s defense has thrived on communication, physicality, and opportunistic playmaking—qualities heavily reliant on veteran presence like Poyer and emerging talent like Hairston.

McDermott, ever the optimist in public, downplayed panic while acknowledging the reality. “We’ve got guys ready to step up,” he stated. “This is the playoffs—everyone deals with injuries. We’ll adjust, we’ll compete, and we’ll give ourselves a chance to win.” Yet behind the measured words lies the stark truth: losing two starters in the secondary forces schematic tweaks, increased snaps for younger players, and a greater burden on the front seven to generate pressure and limit explosive plays.

For Bills fans, the focus now shifts to Saturday’s altitude battle in Denver. The Broncos present a formidable challenge regardless of personnel, but the absence of Poyer and Hairston adds another layer of difficulty to an already intense playoff atmosphere. Can Buffalo’s depth hold? Will the coaching staff uncover effective adjustments in time? Only time—and performance on the field—will tell.

As the team prepares to travel west, one thing remains clear: in the unforgiving crucible of the NFL playoffs, every body on the field matters. With two key pieces missing, the Bills will need every ounce of resilience, adaptability, and collective effort to advance to the AFC Championship.