Buffalo Bills Place CB Kaiir Elam on Injured Reserve, Sign Veteran DT Linval Joseph
The Buffalo Bills have made a significant roster move, placing cornerback Kaiir Elam on injured reserve due to a lingering ankle injury. General manager Brandon Beane stated that the decision was made to allow Elam to fully recover and heal his ankle. Elam, the Bills’ first-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, has been dealing with the injury throughout the season.
Beane acknowledged that Elam has not been at 100% health and that his performance on the field has been affected. However, he remains hopeful that Elam can follow a similar trajectory as veteran cornerback Josh Norman. Beane recalled his time with Norman during their days with the Carolina Panthers, where Norman struggled initially but eventually turned things around in his third year.
To fill the void left by Elam’s absence, the Bills signed veteran defensive tackle Linval Joseph. Joseph, who most recently played for the Philadelphia Eagles, started eight games last season. His addition will provide depth to the Bills’ defensive line, especially after DaQuan Jones suffered a quad injury that landed him on injured reserve.
Head coach Sean McDermott revealed that Elam aggravated his ankle injury during the team’s Week 6 victory over the New York Giants. Although Elam participated fully leading up to Week 8, he was limited in practice sessions leading up to Week 7. Despite his injury, Elam has been dedicated to his recovery and has been receiving around-the-clock treatment.
Elam, who is only 22 years old, has been inactive for five games this season. In Week 8 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Norman was chosen over Elam to play on special teams. Next Gen Stats data reveals that in the two games Elam started, he allowed an average of 9.6 yards per target, which is the highest among the team’s cornerbacks. He has given up 10 receptions on 14 targets for a total of 135 yards.
In response to Elam’s injury, the Bills made a trade just before the deadline, acquiring cornerback Rasul Douglas. This move was necessary after Tre’Davious White suffered a torn Achilles and was ruled out for the remainder of the season. McDermott praised Douglas for his ball production and physicality, highlighting his ability to make tackles.
Despite Elam’s struggles, Beane emphasized that the team did not consider trading him. As a young player in his second season, Beane believes that Elam has the potential to succeed. He expressed confidence in Elam’s abilities and stressed the importance of building up his confidence and ensuring his return to full health.
The Bills’ decision to place Elam on injured reserve and sign Linval Joseph demonstrates their commitment to the well-being of their players and their determination to strengthen their roster. With the addition of Joseph, the Bills’ defensive line will receive a much-needed boost, while Elam can focus on recovering and returning to the field at full strength.
In conclusion, the Buffalo Bills have made a strategic move by placing cornerback Kaiir Elam on injured reserve to allow him to heal from a lingering ankle injury. They have signed veteran defensive tackle Linval Joseph to provide depth on the defensive line. The Bills remain hopeful that Elam can overcome his injury and reach his full potential in the future.