Bills rookie CB Maxwell Hairston to make debut vs. Panthers

Field Level Media|published: Sun 26th October, 12:42 2025

Bills rookie defensive back Maxwell Hairston high-fives fans as he runs onto the field during day five of Buffalo Bills training camp at St. John Fisher University Monday, July 28, 2025 in Pittsford, NY.

The Buffalo Bills are coming out of their bye week healthier, with rookie cornerback Maxwell Hairston active and tight end Dalton Kincaid back in action for Sunday's game against the host Carolina Panthers.

Hairston was Buffalo's first-round pick (30th overall) in this year's draft. However, he began his first season on injured reserve after sustaining an LCL sprain in his right knee during training camp in July.

The Kentucky product recorded six interceptions over three seasons with the Wildcats, returning three of them for touchdowns. He also forced three fumbles, broke up 10 passes and recorded 89 tackles, 2 1/2 tackles for loss and one sack.

Kincaid, 26, is back after sitting out the Bills' last game with an oblique injury. Despite the missed game, he remains the team's leader this season in receiving yards (287) and touchdowns (three).

The news isn't all good for Buffalo, though, as linebacker Matt Milano (pectoral) will miss his second straight game on Sunday after he was listed as questionable.

The Bills (4-2) will look to snap their two-game losing streak against a Panthers team (4-3) on a three-game winning streak. Carolina, however, will be without starting quarterback Bryce Young (ankle) on Sunday.

--Field Level Media