Sports injury expert's Ed Oliver projection another devastating blow to Bills' defense

The Buffalo Bills are already shorthanded on the defensive line, and DT Ed Oliver is back on the shelf after an apparent serious injury in Week 8

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

Buffalo Bills' starting defensive tackle Ed Oliver can't catch a break.

Following a marvelous Week 1 effort in a win over the Baltimore Ravens, Oliver was stepped on during practice. The resulting ankle injury forced him to miss four straight games before returning in Week 6 against the Atlanta Falcons.

In his second game back, Oliver made three first-half tackles and a third-down sack against the Carolina Panthers on October 26, but his day was cut short by a biceps injury.

It happened on a 1st-and-10 run play by the Panthers on what was the final snap before the first-half two-minute warning. Carolina's Chuba Hubbard carried for three yards off right guard while Oliver was down-blocked at the line of scrimmage. As he went down to the ground, the weight of offensive lineman Ikem Ekwonu came down on Oliver's back and his arm was caught up in the crash.

After a quick visit to the blue unity tent, the Bills officially ruled Oliver out for the rest of the game prior to the second quarter expiring.

Oct 26, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Ed Oliver (91) sacks Carolina Panthers quarterback Andy Dalton (14) during the first half | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Oliver was seen wearing a hooded sweatshirt on the Bills' sideline in the fourth quarter. The FOX cameras showed him have a brief interaction with Josh Allen, where it seemed the field general was checking up on his fellow veteran.

"I don't have anything at this point," said Bills' head coach Sean McDermott during his postgame press conference.

While McDermott provided no update, Oliver offered a disappointing update on his Instagram story, posting the text "Me and football like oil and water rn."

RELATED: Back at Bills' practice, Ed Oliver confirms ankle injury not result of 'horse' play

If Oliver's ominous post wasn't enough to deflate hopeful Bills' fans, Dr. David Chao's opinion will certainly do the trick. Chao, who spent 17 years as the San Diego Chargers' team physician, routinely offers major injury analysis on his SICscore.com website.

"We expect it to be a biceps tear. If it's a biceps tendon injury at the elbow, there is surgery in his future," said Chao.

Bill DT Ed Oliver has been ruled out with a biceps injury. I suspect it's a bicep tear, but he will have a chance to return for the playoffs. Expect him to land on IR and miss significant time. pic.twitter.com/HDtI2ud9Yn

— David J. Chao - ProFootballDoc (@ProFootballDoc) October 26, 2025

As for whether the surgery will be season-ending or not, Chao leaves the door open for a January return.

"A chance to return for the playoffs, but will miss significant time and go to IR," said Chao.

If Chao's projection proves accurate, and his hit percentage suggests that it will, the Bills have a minor crisis along their already-depleted defensive line interior. With DaQuan Jones listed as week to week, Larry Ogunjobi and rookie Deone Walker are the lone two healthy defensive tackles on the active 53-man roster.

Oct 13, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) is sacked by Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Ed Oliver (91) | Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

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