Buffalo Bills' HC reveals killer Ed Oliver update following Week 17 loss to Eagles

The Bills' DT has been on Injured Reserve since Oct. 28 and it now appears as if he may not return as soon as expected.

Oct 26, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Ed Oliver (91) reacts after a sack in the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Sean McDermott added insult to injury following the Buffalo Bills’ Week 17 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, providing a concerning update on one of the team’s key players.

The Bills’ head coach revealed after Sunday’s defeat that Ed Oliver may not be as close to a return as early projections suggested.

RELATED: 6 takeaways as Bills' offense invisible while defense stands tall during loss to Eagles

Oct 13, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) is sacked by Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Ed Oliver (91) during the second half of a game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. | Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Bad news

According to Katherine Fitzgerald of the Buffalo News, McDermott said the Bills' defensive tackle suffered a “setback” in his recovery from surgery to repair a torn bicep, and while he is still “moving in a good direction,” his timeline for a return is uncertain.

It was initially believed that Oliver could return in time for the first round of the playoffs. But according to injury expert, Dr. Kyle Trimble of Banged Up Bills, that may be off the table after the latest news regarding Buffalo’s injured defensive star.

MORE: Buffalo Bills' position group again near best in NFL in key area

More Sean McDermott on DT Ed Oliver (bicep): "I think he’s moving in a good direction, but a little bit of a, call it a setback this past week, maybe. So, I don’t know if it’s going to affect his timeline or not yet. I don’t know enough. But that’s all I have for you right now." https://t.co/QQSJO9RVhm

— katherine fitzgerald (@kfitz134) December 29, 2025

Updated timeline

Dr. Trimble posted to his X account on Sunday night that, while Oliver may not be ruled out for the postseason, his return will now likely be delayed.

“Any possibility of a wild card appearance is next to zero,” read the post. “Divisional round maybe, AFC title game may be target. If they get there.”

The Bills are currently the No. 7 seed in the AFC following their loss to the Eagles.

RELATED: Buffalo Bills player poached from practice squad by Kansas City Chiefs, per report

Oct 13, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Ed Oliver (91) warms up prior to a game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. | Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Much-needed presence

Buffalo could certainly use Oliver’s services, as despite a solid performance against Philadelphia on Sunday, the Bills’ defensive line has struggled mightily both health-wise and in terms of its production this season. Before he was lost due to injury following a Week 8 matchup with the Carolina Panthers, Oliver had begun the season on a torrid pace.

Even while appearing in just three games this season, Oliver remains second on the team in tackles for loss and is still leading all Bills interior defensive linemen in quarterback pressure rate (13.7%), per Next Gen Stats. If he is indeed unable to return in time for the playoffs, Buffalo would be forced to continue to forge ahead without its defensive centerpiece.

— Sign up for OnSI’s Free Buffalo Bills Newsletter —

More Buffalo Bills News:

• Buffalo Bills' O-lineman gets flaming gift in red-hot exchange

• 3 Buffalo Bills players selected for 2026 Pro Bowl

• Buffalo Bills release exciting midseason WR addition in surprising move

• Buffalo Bills announce important update on new Highmark Stadium