Buffalo Bills rookie cornerback Maxwell Hairston sustained a right LCL sprain while practicing at St. John Fisher University. The injury happened during a practice camp session. Hairston described the injury as he lost his footing in a pass rush drill, a drill distinct from team practice. The nature of this incident leaves fans worried about his preparedness for the upcoming season.
As cornerback Dane Jackson put it, the incident was a “freak little trip-up,” reiterating the unpredictable nature of injuries that befalls all athletes. Following the injury, Hairston did not return to the field, and head athletic trainer Nate Breske immediately attended to him. Breske looked at Hairston’s right knee before helping him off the field as he hobbled on crutches.
Hairston turns 22 on August 6. He is still auditioning for that No. 2 cornerback job, though — battling it out with Tre’Davious White and across from Christian Benford. This camp fight will likely take a stop for now, as Hairston is expected to miss 4-6 weeks due to the injury. Thankfully, sources are saying that Hairston’s ACL is still in good condition, preventing a much worse injury.
Benford, for his part, recounted worrying at times for Hairston’s safety and health, adding the loyalty they’ve cultivated on their journey together.
“I was upset, because that’s somebody that’s like a pure-hearted kid, somebody that you work with off the field so much, you put in so much time with ’em and then they fall like that, something happen to ’em.” – Christian Benford
He provided insight into the emotional toll that seeing a fellow player get hurt can take, adding, “
“… You never want that to happen. You never want to see that happen. You don’t even pray that on your worst enemies.” – Christian Benford
As a first-round pick, Hairston’s play in his rookie season was something of great importance and excitement to fans and coaches. His injury creates another curveball for the coaching staff as they try to gauge their depth at the cornerback spot. The Bills will have to change their approach to training camp while Hairston heals.
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