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Player DetailA.J. Epenesa
A.J. Epenesa Injury News & Updates
Dec 5, 2025
Past foot injury
Epenesa (foot) has no injury designation ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Bengals.
ANALYSIS
Head coach Sean McDermott told reporters Friday that Epenesa "should be fine," after missing Thursday's practice due to a foot injury. Now fully healthy, Epenesa is likely to play an expanded role on the Bills' defensive line in Week 14, as Joey Bosa (hamstring) is in line to miss his first game of the season.
Dec 4, 2025
DNP with foot
Epenesa (foot) did not practice Thursday, Alaina Getzenberg of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Epenesa was a new addition to Thursday's injury report with a foot injury he likely suffered during Wednesday's session. With the potential absence of Joey Bosa (hamstring) looming as well, Epenesa's absence will mean a significant depth issue at defensive end for the Bills. If neither player can suit up Sunday, Javon Solomon will be the lone option opposite Greg Rousseau on the edge. With such a depleted room, practice squad members Shaq Lawson, Andre Jones, and Morgan Fox are candidates for Week 14 elevation.
Nov 14, 2025
Good to go
Epenesa (concussion) has no injury designation ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Buccaneers.
ANALYSIS
Epenesa managed to practice in full the entire week and has been cleansed of injury designation, indicating he was able to clear the league's concussion protocol and is ready to play in Sunday's contest. Before missing the Week 10 loss to the Dolphins, the 27-year-old participated in eight games this season where he accumulated 15 tackles (10 solo), including 2.5 sacks, two passes defensed, one interception, and one fumble recovery. With Epenesa's return, defensive end Javon Solomon will likely see diminished snaps as a rotational end.
Nov 12, 2025
Practices in fill
Epenesa (concussion) logged a full practice Wednesday, Alaina Getzenberg of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Epenesa missed Buffalo's Week 10 loss to Miami with a concussion. While it's encouraging that he returned to practice, it remains unclear whether he has cleared the league's concussion protocol. Epenesa will need to take that final step before being cleared for a Week 11 matchup against Tampa Bay.
Nov 7, 2025
Ruled out for Week 10
Epenesa (concussion) won't play Sunday against the Dolphins, head coach Sean McDermott revealed Friday, Maddy Glab of the Bills' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Epenesa hasn't participated in practice throughout the week and will endure his first absence of the season Sunday. The rotational pass rusher has 2.5 sacks this season. Epenesa will need to clear the NFL's five-step concussion protocol to have a chance to play in Week 11 against the Buccaneers.
Nov 5, 2025
Misses practice with concussion
Epenesa (concussion) did not participate at practice Wednesday.
ANALYSIS
Epenesa was quiet over 22 defensive snaps in Week 9 versus the Chiefs, but it's not clear if he suffered the concussion during that contest or sometime afterward. Either way, he'll need to clear league concussion protocol by Sunday in order to suit up at Miami in Week 10.
Oct 28, 2025
Pads stat sheet vs. Carolina
Epenesa made four tackles (three solo), including 1.0 sacks, plus one pass defensed, an interception, during Buffalo's blowout win over the Panthers on Sunday.
ANALYSIS
Epenesa has now racked up 15 tackles (10 solo), including 2.5 sacks, two passes defensed, including one interception, and one fumble recovery across seven regular-season appearances. He'll have a more difficult time bringing down the opposing quarterback against Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs' reliable O-line in Week 9, though that could change if standout guard Trey Smith (back) is unable to suit up for Kansas City.
Sep 28, 2025
Good to go against New Orleans
Epenesa (pectoral) is active for Sunday's game against the Saints.
ANALYSIS
Epenesa was limited in practice all week due to a pectoral injury, but he shown enough to be cleared to play in Sunday's contest. The 2020 second-rounder has logged three solo tackles and a fumble recovery through three games while serving in a rotational role at defensive end.
Sep 26, 2025
Questionable for Week 4
Epenesa (pectoral) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Saints.
ANALYSIS
Epenesa got in a round of limited practices this week. The sixth-year edge rusher has logged just under 40 percent of the defensive snaps for Buffalo through three games and has three tackles (three solo), one QB hit and one fumble recovery.
Jul 27, 2025
Back at practice Sunday
Epenesa (ankle) is practicing Sunday, Katherine Fitzgerald of The Buffalo News reports.
ANALYSIS
Epenesa was held out of practice Friday due to an ankle injury, but the issue appears to have been minor. The veteran pass rusher is looking to record a fourth straight season of at least 6.0 sacks in 2025.
Jul 25, 2025
Dealing with ankle issue
Epenesa did not practice Friday due to an ankle injury, Alex Brasky of SB Nation reports.
ANALYSIS
Epenesa was seen on the sidelines with a light compression wrap. The injury doesn't appear to be severe, but given it's training camp, the Bills will play things conservatively to avoid aggravating the injury. Epenesa is coming off a career year in 2024, starting in 13 of 17 regular-season games while tallying 39 tackles (23 solo), including 6.0 sacks, two pass defenses and two forced fumbles.
Feb 4, 2025
Makes 13 starts in 2024
Epenesa tallied 39 total tackles (23 solo), including 6.0 sacks, two passes defended and two forced fumbles across 17 regular-season games in 2024.
ANALYSIS
Epenesa served as a regular starter on the Bills' defense for the first time in his five-year NFL career in 2024. He played a career-high 583 defensive snaps and set a personal best with 39 total tackles in a single season. However, Epenesa's increased playing time didn't translate to more sacks, as he finished with 0.5 fewer sacks than his totals in 2022 and 2023. He's expected to return to Buffalo in 2025, having signed a two-year, $12 million extension with the team last offseason. He will likely compete for another starting role throughout the offseason but is expected to remain one of the Bills' top edge rushers regardless.
Dec 30, 2024
Sacks Rodgers for safety in Week 17
Epenesa logged four solo tackles, including 1.0 sacks, during Sunday's 40-14 win over the Jets.
ANALYSIS
Epenesa logged his sixth sack of the season Sunday when he took down Aaron Rodgers in the end zone for a safety to extend the Bills' lead to nine points late in the second quarter. Epenesa is now up to 6.0 sacks through 16 regular-season games, and he's half a sack shy from tying a career best that he set in each of the last two seasons. However, with the Bills locked into the No. 2 seed of the AFC heading into the postseason, Epenesa may see little work in the regular-season finale against the Patriots next Sunday.
Oct 21, 2024
Logs another sack in Week 7
Epenesa recorded three total tackles (two solo), including 1.0 sacks, and defended one pass in Sunday's 34-10 win over the Titans.
ANALYSIS
Epenesa has tallied 3.0 sacks over the last two weeks and now leads the Bills' defense with 4.0 sacks on the season. The 2020 second-round pick has also accumulated 15 total tackles, two forced fumbles and one pass defended through Buffalo's first seven games. He's expected to continue causing problems for opposing quarterbacks as the Bills travel to take on the Seahawks in Week 8.
Oct 15, 2024
Sacks Rodgers twice in win
Epenesa recorded four tackles (three solo), including 2.0 sacks, in the Bills' win over the Jets on Monday night.
ANALYSIS
Additionally, Epenesa forced a fumble of Aaron Rodgers on the first of his two sacks, but Rodgers ended up recovering the loose ball. On Epenesa's second sack, he was flagged for a questionable roughing the passer call on a third-down takedown of Rodgers. Through five games, Epenesa has logged 12 tackles (eight solo), including 3.0 sacks, seven QB hits and one forced fumble on 56 percent of the defensive snaps.
Mar 11, 2024
Sticking around Buffalo
Epenesa and the Bills agreed on a two-year contract worth up to $20 million Monday, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports.
ANALYSIS
Epenesa will remain in Buffalo after having his most productive season since the team drafted him in 2020, recording 20 tackles, including 6.5 sacks, while also intercepting two passes and forcing a fumble over 15 games. He'll likely operate as the team's primary reserve option at defensive end behind Greg Rousseau and Shaq Lawson in 2024.
Dec 31, 2023
Will play vs. Pats
Epenesa (ribs) is active for Sunday's game versus the Patriots.
ANALYSIS
Epenesa will return from a two-game absence in Week 17 now that he has recovered from an injury to his ribs he sustained in Week 14 at Kansas City. With Von Miller (coach's decision) inactive, Epenesa could be in line for an expanded role.
Dec 29, 2023
Officially questionable for Sunday
Epenesa (ribs) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's game against the Patriots.
ANALYSIS
The 25-year-old defensive end seems to be trending in the right direction to play Sunday, as he's gone from logging a limited practice session both Wednesday and Thursday to a full workload Friday. Epenesa has missed each of the Bills' last two games, and if he's unable to suit up once again in Week 17, Kingsley Jonathan could see increased work as rotational defensive lineman.
Dec 28, 2023
Still in question for Sunday
Epenesa was listed as limited for the second straight day Thursday due to a rib injury.
ANALYSIS
Epenesa has missed the past two games with the issue, but he looks to have a decent chance of suiting up Sunday against the Patriots, though Friday's final injury report will prove more telling. The fourth-year player got off to a slow start in his NFL career after being taken out of Iowa in the second round, but this season he's been arguably the Bills' biggest surprise on banged-up defense that's being carried by the defensive line. Epenesa has logged 6.5 sacks, eight passes defensed, an interception, a touchdown, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery over 13 games.
Dec 23, 2023
Ultimately unavailable Saturday
Epenesa (ribs) will not play Saturday against the Chargers.
ANALYSIS
There was some hope the third-year pass rusher would be available Saturday, but he'll ultimately miss his second consecutive game. Kingsley Jonathan and Shaq Lawson will likely see additional opportunities in pass-rushing situations.
Dec 21, 2023
Chance to play Week 16
Epenesa (rib) is listed as questionable ahead of Saturday's game against the Chargers.
ANALYSIS
The 2020 second-round pick was able to log a week of limited practice sessions after missing Buffalo's Week 15 win over the Cowboys, and he's now got a chance to return to the field Saturday. If Epenesa is forced to miss his second consecutive game, Kingsley Jonathan could see increased snaps on the Bills' defensive line.
Dec 19, 2023
Making progress
Epenesa (ribs) was listed as limited on Tuesday's practice estimate.
ANALYSIS
The Bills only held a walkthrough Tuesday, as they prep for a matchup with the Chargers on Saturday, so Epenesa's participation level is just an estimation. However, it's a sign of progress for the Iowa product, who was unable to practice last week and was ruled out two days in advance of their Week 15 win over the Cowboys. Epenesa will work to ramp up his activity level over the next couple of days in anticipation of suiting up for Week 16.
Dec 15, 2023
Missing first game of season
Coach Sean McDermott said Friday that Epenesa (ribs) is ruled out for Sunday's game against the Cowboys, Alaina Getzenberg of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Epenesa has appeared in all 13 of Buffalo's games this season, but he's now week-to-week with a rib injury that could potentially require a stint on IR. Until Epenesa can retake the field, both Kingsley Jonathan and Shaq Lawson will have an opportunity to handle increased defensive snaps.
Dec 14, 2023
DNP again Thursday
Epenesa (ribs) remained sidelined for Thursday's practice.
ANALYSIS
Epenesa remains week-to-week with his injury he suffered in last Sunday's win over the Chiefs. Kingsley Jonathan and Shaq Lawson should soak up the extra edge reps alongside veteran Leonard Floyd for however long Epenesa is sidelined.
Dec 13, 2023
Remains week-to-week
Epenesa (ribs) should still be considered week-to-week, according to head coach Sean McDermott, and the Bills are still gathering information Wednesday as to whether a stint on injured reserve is an option, Jon Scott of Spectrum News 1 reports.
ANALYSIS
Epenesa suffered the injury in Sunday's game against the Chiefs and appears to potentially be looking at a multi-week absence, considering IR may be an option for the 25-year-old. Any potential absence for him would be a blow to the depth of Buffalo's defensive line and ultimately lead to increased snaps for any of Leonard Floyd, Shaq Lawson or Kingsley Jonathan.
Dec 11, 2023
Could miss time
Epenesa is week-to-week, according to head coach Sean McDermott, after suffering a rib injury in Sunday's win over the Chiefs, Katherine Fitzgerald of The Buffalo News reports.
ANALYSIS
Epenesa tried to return to the game after suffering the injury, but he was only able to last one play before exiting again. Whether or not he'll recover in time to suit up in Week 15 against the Cowboys is in question, but his practice status in the days ahead will shed better light on his potential availability for the matchup.
Dec 10, 2023
Doubtful to return
Epenesa is doubtful to return to Sunday's game versus the Chiefs with a ribs injury.
ANALYSIS
Epenesa returned to the field for just one play after having previously exited with a ribs injury and is now considered to be doubtful for the remainder of the matchup. Leonard Floyd and Shaq Lawson should be in line for increased playing time in Epenesa's absence.
Dec 10, 2023
Returns against Kansas City
Epenesa (ribs) has been cleared to return to Sunday's game against the Chiefs.
ANALYSIS
Epenesa briefly left Sunday's game following his interception off Patrick Mahomes. Epenesa will return as the depth edge rusher behind Greg Rousseau and Von Miller.
Dec 10, 2023
Leaves game with rib injury
Epenesa (ribs) is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Chiefs.
ANALYSIS
Epenesa picked off Patrick Mahomes and returned it for seven yards before leaving the game with a rib injury. Leonard Floyd and Shaq Lawson are candidates to see more work at defensive end in Epenesa's absence.
Nov 28, 2022
Full participant Monday
Epenesa (ankle) was a full participant in practice Monday.
ANALYSIS
Epenesa appears ready to return after a one-game absence. He'll provide depth along a Bills defensive line that's expected to be without Von Miller (knee) against the Patriots on Thursday.
Nov 24, 2022
Inactive versus Lions
Epenesa (ankle) is inactive for Thursday's contest against the Lions.
ANALYSIS
Epenesa was listed as doubtful for Thanksgiving Day, so it doesn't come as much of a surprise to now see him officially inactive. The 2020 second-round pick suffered an ankle injury Week 11 against the Browns, and his next chance to return will come Dec. 1 on Thursday Night Football against New England.
Nov 23, 2022
Unlikely to play in Week 12
Epenesa (ankle) is considered doubtful to play Thursday versus the Lions, Alaina Getzenberg of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Epenesa suffered an ankle injury in Week 11 against the Browns and was unable to return to the contest. It appears like the injury is still bothering him and he'll likely be forced to take a seat for Thursday's Thanksgiving Day matchup. If the defensive end can't go, Shaq Lawson and Carlos Basham would be set for increases in usage against Detroit.
Nov 20, 2022
Won't return Sunday
Epenesa (ankle) was downgraded to out for the remainder of Sunday's contest against Cleveland.
ANALYSIS
While the nature of this injury is still unclear, it appears significant enough to keep Epenesa sidelined for the rest of this Week 11 contest. The 24-year-old will now have a short four-day turnaround before the Bills' next contest against the Lions on Thanksgiving day.
Nov 20, 2022
Exits versus Cleveland
Epenesa is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Browns with an ankle injury.
ANALYSIS
Epenesa did not record a defensive statistic before exiting at some point during the first half against Cleveland. The 2020 second-round pick played a season-high 61 percent of the Bills' defensive snaps last week versus the Vikings, as starting defensive end Greg Rousseau was sidelined with an ankle injury. With Rousseau once again ruled inactive Week 12, Buffalo's defensive line will be left short-handed against the Browns' run-heavy offense for the time being.
Nov 13, 2022
Working with first-team defense
Epenesa is expected to start Sunday's matchup against Minnesota in the absence of Greg Rousseau (ankle), Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Epenesa has garnered a rotational role along the Bills' defensive line this season, totaling five tackles and 2.5 sacks across eight appearances. He's played over 30 defensive snaps twice during the campaign, but he recorded a sack in each of those appearances.
Dec 29, 2021
Removed from injury report
Epenesa (ankle) is no longer on the Bills' injury report Wednesday.
ANALYSIS
Epenesa cleared COVID protocols Wednesday, but he was also dealing with an ankle injury previously. Now cleared and healthy, he'll look to provide depth on the Bills' defensive line Sunday against the Falcons.
Dec 29, 2021
Activated by Bills
The Bills activated Epenesa (ankle) from the reserve/COVID-19 list Wednesday.
ANALYSIS
Epenesa landed on the COVID-19 list early last week but will now be eligible to rejoin the team. The 23-year-old was inactive in Week 15 due to an ankle injury, and it's not yet clear whether the issue will impact his availability for Sunday's game against Atlanta.
Dec 20, 2021
Heads to COVID list
Epenesa (ankle) was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list Monday, Chris Jenkins of the Bills' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Epenesa did not suit up for Sunday's win over the Panthers, and the rotational defensive lineman will now have two factors inhibiting his readiness for the big game Week 15 against the Patriots.
Dec 19, 2021
Not suiting up
Epenesa (ankle) is inactive Week 15 against Carolina.
ANALYSIS
Epenesa popped up on the injury report Friday with an ankle issue, and it will ultimately force him to sit out his second game of the season, potentially hurting the depth of the Bills' pass rush.
Dec 17, 2021
Questionable for Sunday
Epenesa (ankle) is questionable for Sunday against the Panthers.
ANALYSIS
Epenesa was able to log a limited practice Friday. The second-year pro plays a rotational role on the Bills' defensive line and if he were unable to go Sunday, Efe Obada and Mario Addison would likely see a jump in snaps.
Oct 8, 2021
Question mark for Sunday night
Epenesa (foot) practiced on a limited basis for a second straight day Friday and is listed as questionable for Sunday's game in Kansas City.
ANALYSIS
Epenesa has become a much bigger factor in the defense compared to his 2020 rookie season, so his presence (he would seem to be on the better side of questionable) matters as the team tries to come up with a scheme that puts some pressure on the incomparable Patrick Mahomes.
Oct 7, 2021
Foot injury surfaces
Epenesa practiced on a limited basis Thursday due to a foot injury.
ANALYSIS
The defensive lineman, whose play has been turning heads in his second season, was able to practice fully Wednesday, so he must have picked up the injury in practice this week. We'll see if he's able to practice Friday ahead of Sunday's big road game in Kansas City.
Jun 3, 2021
Body ready for Year 2
Epenesa, who struggled to transform his body for the pro game in his rookie season, heads into 2021 in fantastic shape and weight, Chris Brown of the Bills' official site reports. Said defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier, "He's more explosive. He's really benefited from staying here which was something he couldn't do last offseason, because of all the things that were going on. I'm anxious to see once we get to training camp if some of the things that we're seeing now transfer to what we're going to do whe
ANALYSIS
Epenesa had to essentially switch positions from what he was used to at Iowa, as the Bills run a much different defense. He had problems all season getting his weight right and struggled with just 14 total tackles and one sack in 14 regular-season games. The 2020 second-rounder seems poised to have a bigger role in 2021, though Buffalo tends to run waves of defensive linemen so he's not quite near the IDP radar yet. Still, with young players like Epenesa and Ed Oliver, top picks Gregory Rousseau and Carlos Basham, and veterans like Jerry Hughes and Mario Addison, the Bills could feature a strong defensive line all season.
Dec 26, 2020
Ready for Week 15
Epenesa (head) practiced fully again Saturday and does not have an injury designation for Monday's game at New England.
ANALYSIS
This is no surprise for the Iowa rookie, who avoided a concussion following a hit last Saturday against the Broncos. He'll resume his depth role on the defensive line against the Patriots.
Dec 24, 2020
None the worse for wear
Epenesa, who exited the Week 15 win over the Broncos, was listed as a full participant on Thursday's practice report.
ANALYSIS
The rookie from Iowa avoided a concussion, so he appears ready to serve his usual depth role when the Bills take on the Patriots on Monday night. Epenesa has posted a modest 10 tackles and 1.5 sacks in his first campaign as he continues to get up to speed in the pro game.
Dec 20, 2020
Exits with head injury
Epenesa left Saturday's win over the Broncos to be evaluated for a head injury.
ANALYSIS
The rookie second-round pick didn't record a tackle before leaving the contest. Epenesa will need to clear the five-step concussion protocol if the injury is confirmed.
Nov 25, 2020
Back to practice
Epenesa, who had to leave the team's Week 9 contest against the Cardinals with a concussion, was able to practice fully Wednesday.
ANALYSIS
Not that concussions can ever come at the right time, but the rookie from Iowa did get the advantage of the bye to work his way through the protocol and will likely not miss any game action. Epenesa continues to work as a rotational piece as he gets acclimated to the NFL game, as he hasn't seen more than 35 percent of the defensive snaps in any game this season.
Nov 15, 2020
Sustains concussion Sunday
Epenesa was ruled out for the rest of Sunday's game versus the Cardinals after suffering a concussion.
ANALYSIS
Epenesa has entered the league's five-step concussion protocol. The Bills are on bye next week, so the rookie second-round pick has 14 days to get cleared for a Week 12 matchup against the Chargers.
Nov 15, 2020
Sustains injury Sunday
Epenesa is being evaluated for a head injury during Sunday's game against the Cardinals.
ANALYSIS
The team is likely checking Epenesa for a concussion, and if that diagnosis is confirmed, the rookie second-rounder will be done for the day. Epenesa recorded one solo tackle before departing.
Sep 13, 2020
Buffalo debut will wait
Epenesa has been made a game-day inactive for Sunday's game against the Jets.
ANALYSIS
This is a bit of a shocker considering the rookie out of Iowa was a second-rounder in April and was the team's top pick. But hey, this was a strange offseason and players received no preseason game experience, so the Bills will start the season with a more veteran look at defensive end, an area where they have plenty of depth.
May 8, 2020
Inks rookie deal
Epenesa signed his four-year rookie contract with the Bills on Friday, Field Yates of ESPN reports.
ANALYSIS
The Bills now have their highest pick from the 2020 draft under contract. Epenesa was taken in the second round but was considered by some to be a first-round talent. He figures to be a fixture in Buffalo's defensive end rotation right away.
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