The Buffalo Bills are 5-2 with an upcoming Week 9 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. Their only losses have been to the New England Patriots and Atlanta Falcons.
With reigning MVP Josh Allen at the helm, Buffalo is looking to win its first Super Bowl in franchise history. Unfortunately, though, the team has been hit with several injuries, including to safety Taylor Rapp.
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Rapp was placed on injured reserve on Oct. 24 due to a knee injury he has dealt with since training camp, according to the Bills’ website. That means he only had to miss a minimum of four games and could be back by Week 12.
Buffalo Bills safety Taylor Rapp (9).Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
However, while speaking to the reporters on Friday, head coach Sean McDermott commented on Rapp’s potential return after he underwent surgery.
“He just had the surgery. … I’m not a doctor, but from what I’m hearing it’s probably not till next year at this point,” McDermott said, according to team reporter Maddy Glab.
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This season, Rapp has started six games. He has been targeted 11 times, allowing six receptions for 82 yards, zero touchdowns and a 78.6 passer rating. He also has recorded 26 combined tackles.
The Bills’ defense has been among the most effective in the NFL. Their 20.9 points per game allowed ranks ninth in the league. Losing Rapp, one of the team’s top coverage players, could have a big impact on the unit’s effectiveness.
Four days after placing Rapp on injured reserve, Buffalo signed safety Jordan Poyer to the active roster.
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Poyer — a 13th-year veteran who spent seven seasons with the Bills from 2017-2023 as well as the Philadelphia Eagles, Cleveland Browns and Miami Dolphins — has immediately become the replacement.
He started in place of Rapp in the Bills’ Week 8 win against the Carolina Panthers and could be holding that spot the rest of the regular season and into the playoffs.
Buffalo hosts the Kansas City Chiefs (5-3) at 4:25 p.m. ET Sunday on CBS.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Oct 31, 2025, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.