The Buffalo Bills entered their Week 10 clash against the Miami Dolphins looking to strengthen their position in the AFC East. Rookie defensive end Landon Jackson finally got the opportunity he had been waiting for since the start of the season.
The third-round pick had spent much of the campaign watching from the sidelines, waiting for a real chance to prove himself. That moment arrived today, but it ended in heartbreak within minutes.
In the opening moments of the first quarter, Jackson was involved in a collision with Dolphins running back Ollie Gordon on a rushing play. As Gordon powered through the line, Jackson met him head-on but immediately went down after contact.
The rookie was seen clutching his right knee in visible pain as trainers rushed to the field. What was supposed to be a big step forward in his young career quickly turned into a worrying scene for Buffalo.
Bills DE Landon Jackson Got Hurt On This Ollie Gordon Run pic.twitter.com/tmJJBH8Qsl
— El Capitan (Chris) The Fins Tail Gate (@thefinstailgate) November 9, 2025
The decision to push Jackson into the lineup came out of necessity. Buffalo’s defensive front has been short-handed in recent weeks, and the team needed depth and energy on the edge. His promotion reflected both his potential and the team’s growing urgency to reinforce a battered defense.
The timing of this injury makes it even more unfortunate. Despite their solid 6-2 record, the Bills have not looked fully convincing. They sit second in the AFC East behind the New England Patriots, but the feeling around the team is that they should be better.
The defense, once the heart of Buffalo’s identity, has shown cracks this season. Jackson’s chance to step in and make an impact was meant to be a spark for a group still searching for consistency, now, that plan is suddenly on hold.
Sean McDermott Wanted Landon Jackson to Step Up
The Bills’ defensive issues have piled up in recent weeks. Michael Hoecht suffered a season-ending Achilles injury against Kansas City, and veteran pass rusher A.J. Epenesa was placed in concussion protocol soon after.
Those setbacks left a glaring hole at defensive end, prompting Sean McDermott to turn to Jackson as the next man up. The head coach believed Jackson had the discipline and drive to fill that gap. He had been praised internally for his effort in practice and his understanding of the team’s defensive schemes.
“Another player that I mentioned with the injury situation, some of the holes, that he needs to step up, and he knows that. Landon’s been very conscientious. He’s worked extremely hard every week,” McDermott said.
Jackson himself had spoken about being mentally and physically ready to step into a veteran’s role, determined to make the most of the opportunity.
“Really just mentally, physically be ready to go out there and there not be a drop off from those vets,” Jackson said, as per WGR 550. “I just got to be mentally and physically prepared, take advantage of the opportunity and be able to step up to the plate.”
Instead of showcasing his growth, the injury in the opening minutes now clouds his immediate future.
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