This week, the 2022 first-round pick was activated off injured reserve to the 53-man roster, adding depth to a secondary that had sustained an injury. Elam talked candidly to the Buffalo News this week about his return, stating that he’s “ready” to support the club at the crucial end of the season.
Elam exclaimed, “Very excited.” “I have dedicated my time and energy to football my entire life, so I’ll be ready for this chance to help the team advance in the season.”
Kaiir Elam Struggled With Injuries, Inconsistent Play
Elam tore his deltoid ligament during a preseason game, but for the first six weeks of the season, he was not listed on the team’s injury report, which, according to the Buffalo News, “fueled the perception he was a healthy scratch for the first four games.”
After Tre’Davious White suffered a season-ending Achilles tear, the Bills lost one of their best cornerbacks. However, they were able to bolster their veteran depth by signing free agency Josh Norman and acquiring veteran Rasul Douglas through a trade deadline with the Green Bay Packers.
We’ve activated CB Kaiir Elam from Injured Reserve.#GoBills | #BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/mDgcFr9fZL
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) December 27, 2023
Elam, who said last week that he’s gone a long way, is cleared to participate in the team’s game against the New England Patriots on December 31.
He remarked, “Every week, I feel much better and my ankle keeps getting looser. I just felt way healthier.”
Elam continued, saying that since going on injured reserve, he has been feeling better every week.
It’s going smoothly, he reported. “Every day, I regain my rhythm and return to a regular routine.” It meant a lot to be able to play because I was unable to run or do anything else during those first four weeks of being on injured reserve. I don’t take it for granted and I miss it a lot.
Elam started the years as a starter until losing his status to fellow rookie Christian Benford. Elam was drafted as a possible replacement for White, who was still healing from an ACL tear. Elam’s problems came under criticism early in the season, leading to trade rumors. However, general manager Brandon Beane of the Buffalo Bills gave Elam a vote of confidence, saying the organization never contemplated trading him.
On November 1, Beane assured reporters, “We’re going to stay with him.”
Another Key Defensive Player Returns
DaQuan Jones, a defensive tackle who had been placed on injured reserve due to a damaged pectoral tendon, is another important player returning for the Bills. Jones was allowed to fully resume practice, and he will play in the team’s Sunday game against the Patriots.
Jones remained upbeat, stating that he was prepared to assist the squad and that he had been working hard in recovery.
According to USA Today’s Bills Wire, Jones stated, “Feeling pretty dang good.” “I’ve been working really hard in the training room for the last few weeks and months.”
