Kaiir Elam Injury News & Updates

Elam will not start at outside corner for Sunday's game against the Jets, Clarence Hill Jr. of AllDLLS.com reports.

With Elam benched, Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland will serve as the starting outside corners while Reddy Steward gets promoted to the slot corner position. Elam played every single defensive snap through the first three games of the season but saw his playing time dip in Week 4 against the Packers, and it appears that most of his playing time Sunday will come in rotation in the secondary and on special teams. The 2022 first-rounder has logged 20 tackles (13 solo) through four games this season.

Elam had his fifth-year option declined by the Cowboys on Thursday, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.

Dallas would have had to pay Elam, a depth corner with the Bills last year, about $12.7 million in 2026 if it had picked up the option, per Fowler. Elam was a first-round pick of the Bills in 2022, but he struggled to secure a starting role before being traded to the Cowboys in March. He'll now try to compete for a role in the last year of his rookie contract.

The Bills agreed Wednesday to trade Elam and a sixth-round pick to the Cowboys in exchange for future fifth- and seventh-round picks, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

Elam handled a depth role across 13 regular-season appearances with Buffalo in 2024, recording 26 total tackles (17 solo) and two passes defensed. The 2022 first-round pick, now heading into the final year of his rookie contract, will work to improve his coverage skills and rebound with a new squad.

Elam tallied 26 total tackles (17 solo) and two passes defended over 13 regular-season games in 2024.

Elam, a 2022 first-round pick from Florida, has started just 12 regular-season games for the Bills since entering the NFL, with four of those starts coming this season. He struggled in coverage across 292 defensive snaps, allowing 11.4 yards per completion and a 104.9 passer rating when targeted. Now entering the final year of his rookie contract, Elam is likely to remain one of Buffalo's top reserve cornerbacks again in 2025 following his inconsistent performance in 2024.

Elam (shoulder) has no injury designation ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Colts.

Elam opened the Bills' week of practice with back-to-back limited sessions; however, he upgraded to full practice Friday, suggesting that he's moved past his shoulder issue in time for Sunday's matchup. Now that the Florida product is back at full health, he's to serve as one of Buffalo's top rotational cornerbacks in Week 10.

Elam (shoulder) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice.

The 2022 first-round pick from Florida played a season-high 57 defensive snaps and recorded five total tackles in the Bills' Week 9 win over the Dolphins. However, it appears he picked up a shoulder injury in the process. Elam's participation Thursday and Friday will likely provide the best indication of whether he can play through the issue in Sunday's matchup against the Colts.

Elam is starting at cornerback in Sunday's matchup with the Dolphins, Matt Parrino of The Syracuse Post-Standard reports.

With Christian Benford (wrist) sidelined, Elam will get the start. It will be a big opportunity for the former first-round pick, who has had a lot of trade noise surrounding him since the summer.

Elam is coming off a strong training camp as the team gets ready for its preseason opener against the Bears on Saturday, Maddy Glab of the Bills' official site reports. Said veteran teammate Dion Dawkins this week, "I'm happy that '5' is doing what he does now, and he can show us why he's a first-round pick ... when he gets in a game, Kaiir does what he does, and he's in practice and he's showing it. I'm just happy that Kaiir is feeling more like his self."

Rasul Douglas and Christian Benford are the two carryover starters from last season at the two corner spots, while hybrid player Taron Johnson is probably the best secondary player left on the team, so Elam becoming a starter is far from a certainty. However, the Bills run a defense where several corners see the field with regularity, and Elam -- the team's 2022 first-round pick who hasn't really panned out yet, some of it due to injuries -- looks to be in that mix after making some big strides this offseason.

Elam received extra reps throughout the spring due to veteran Rasul Douglas missing the voluntary OTA sessions, Chris Brown of the Bills' official site reports.

Elam hasn't quite panned out yet as a first-round draft choice from 2022, but all the talk around the Bills this offseason seems to indicate the team is going to give him a fair crack at playing time in 2024. He's currently listed as a backup behind Douglas (who did show up for all non-voluntary work) and holdover Christian Benford, but with Tre'Davious White departing to the Rams, there's a real chance for Elam to see meaningful playing time, whether as a key backup or even sneaking his way into a starter's role.

Elam, who missed most of the 2023 regular season due to an ankle injury and coaching decisions, finished with 14 total tackles over three regular-season games.

Elam did appear in both of the Bills' playoff games, though he was limited to special teams in the divisional-round loss to the Chiefs. So far in his young career, Elam's output in two NFL seasons hasn't come close to matching his first-round status, but the Bills had to let several secondary members move on this season and will likely spend one of their high picks on receiver, so Elam may be earmarked for a more prominent role in 2024 even if he's not a starter just yet. Some comments from team brass in the offseason have indicated the Bills are hopeful Elam is ready to make that jump in performance.

Elam (ankle) was activated from injured reserve Wednesday.

Elam was designated to return from IR on Dec. 6, and he's finally rejoining the active roster three weeks later. Buffalo's first-round selection in the 2022 NFL Draft will have a chance to slot back in at cornerback Sunday against the Patriots.

Elam (ankle) was a full participant on Tuesday's practice estimate.

Elam has been practicing with the team since he was designated to return from IR on Dec. 6, which has the second-year pro currently 13 days into his 21-day practice window. With his window getting closer to an end, assuming he's healthy enough to play, Elam has a good chance of returning Saturday against the Chargers.

Elam (ankle) will not be activated from injured reserve ahead of Sunday's game against the Chiefs, Matt Parrino of The Syracuse Post-Standard reports.

Elam resumed practicing Wednesday, but Buffalo isn't yet ready to fully activate him from IR. If Elam isn't activated within his 21-day practice window, he will be forced to remain on IR for for the rest of the season. His next chance to return to the lineup will come Week 15 against the Cowboys.

The Bills announced Wednesday that Elam (ankle) has been designated to return from IR, Katherine Fitzgerald of The Buffalo News reports.

Coach Sean McDermott called Elam day-to-day and said his status isn't yet certain for Sunday's matchup against the Chiefs. The 2022 first-round pick was thrust into a starting role Weeks 5 and 6 before being limited to special teams Week 7 and then landing on IR. Once fully cleared within his 21-day practice window, he could contribute as a rotational cornerback on defense.

The Bills placed Elam (ankle) on injured reserve Thursday.

Elam was inactive the first four weeks of the season before stepping in as a starter in Weeks 5 and 6 following injuries in Buffalo's secondary. Elam then played only special teams in Week 7 before missing last week and now going to injured reserve, where he'll be required to miss at least the next four contests.

Elam (ankle) won't practice Wednesday, Jay Skurski of The Buffalo News reports.

Elam has appeared in just three of Buffalo's first eight games, usually serving as a healthy scratch. The 2022 first-round draft pick is now dealing with an ankle injury, but even if Elam recovers by Sunday's game against the Bengals, there's no guarantee that he'll crack Buffalo's game day lineup.

Elam (coach's decision) will be inactive for Thursday's contest with the Buccaneers, Alaina Getzenberg of ESPN.com reports.

Elam will once again be a healthy scratch in Week 8, taking a seat for the fifth time in eight games this season. Josh Norman, who joined Buffalo's practice squad last week, will replace Elam on the active roster for Thursday Night Football.

Elam registered 11 tackles (eight solo) during Sunday's 25-20 loss to Jacksonville.

Elam missed the first four games of the year as a healthy scratch but was very productive in his season debut with Tre'Davious White (Achilles) and Christian Benford (shoulder) both out. While White is out for the year, Benford's injury is expected to be short term and Elam should be relegated to a depth role once he returns.

Elam is expected to serve as a starting cornerback for the Bills in Sunday's game against the Jaguars in London, Alaina Getzenberg of ESPN.com reports.

The Bills will be breaking in two new starting boundary corners in Week 5, with Elam stepping in for Christian Benford (shoulder) and Dane Jackson filling in for Tre'Davious White (Achilles). Benford's injury is believed to be a short-term concern whereas White's is season-ending, so Elam could slide back into a depth role as soon as Week 6. Despite his status as a 2022 first-round pick, Elam has been inactive for each of the Bills' first four games thus far.

Elam is in the running for the starting cornerback job opposite of Tre'Davious White, Patrick Warren of the Bills' official site reports.

Defensive backs coach John Butler implied Tuesday that the job is a three-way race between Elam, Dane Jackson and Christian Benford, and all have mixed in with the first team-defense during the early portion of training camp. Butler has good things to say about Elam, the team's 2022 first-rounder out of Florida. Said the coach: "All those plays that he's made so far in this camp, whether it be in one-on-one situations, which he's done a nice job of in our individual one-on-ones or in team have been when he starts at the line of scrimmage, can contest the wideout, he can minimize the space and he's done a nice job of that so far." Elam has the most upside of the three players, though Jackson and Benford offer some things where Elam isn't quite there yet, so while the latter might be a slight favorite, this will be one of the team's bigger job battles throughout August.

Elam will start at cornerback opposite of Tre'Davious White during Sunday's divisional-round matchup against the Bengals, Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic reports.

Elam and Dane Jackson both left the Bills' wild-card win over Miami with injuries, but Elam was omitted from Buffalo's initial injury report Wednesday, while Jackson was cleared Thursday. However, despite being healthy, Jackson will give way to Elam to start the game, though both players will likely see action during the playoff matchup.

Elam (leg) isn't listed on the injury report Wednesday.

Elam left Buffalo's wild-card win over Miami early due to leg cramps, but he should be good to go for Sunday's divisional-round matchup against Cincinnati. The rookie first-round pick has played a significant rotational role for the Bills' defense this year, so his availability should be a solid boost against Joe Burrow and the Bengals' balanced passing attack.

Elam exited Sunday's 34-31 win over the Dolphins with leg cramps.

Elam was unable to finish the game. However, if it was just leg cramps it's unlikely to impact the rookie corner's availability next weekend. His practice status in the days ahead will likely shed more light on his potential to play in the AFC divisional round.

While Elam suited up for Sunday's win against the Jets, he played just one special-teams snap and did not play on defense.

The first-rounder was a key piece earlier in the season, but with stud corner Tre'Davious White (knee) back in action and now shadowing the opponent's best receiver, Elam is left competing for time with other players for essentially one spot. Dane Jackson and veteran Xavier Rhodes have been used in that role over Elam, who has sat out three of the past five games due to either injury or coach's decision. He hasn't recorded so much as a tackle since Week 9.

Elam is active Sunday against the Jets.

Elam sat out Week 13 against the Patriots as a coach's decision. He'll now return to the field in Week 14, as Xavier Rhodes sits as a healthy scratch Sunday.

Elam (coach's decision) will not play in Thursday Night Football against the Patriots, Alaina Getzenberg of ESPN.com reports.

Elam missed back-to-back games with an ankle injury before returning against the Lions on Thanksgiving Day. However, Bills coach Sean McDermott said the rookie first-round pick still dealt with pain from this issue while playing against Detroit, causing him to slot into a backup role behind Christian Benford, per Alaina Getzenberg of ESPN.com. While Benford (oblique) was placed on injured Saturday and Elam was considered a full participant in each practice Week 13, he'll still miss his third game in four weeks. As a result, expect Dane Jackson, Xavier Rhodes and Tre'Davious White to serve as the Bills' top cornerbacks against New England.

Elam (ankle) was listed as a full participant on Monday's estimated injury report, according to Chris Brown of the Bills' official site.

Elam picked up an ankle injury Week 9 versus the Jets and was sidelined for the following game against Minnesota. The rookie first-round pick returned to practice in full last Friday, but he was still ruled inactive for Sunday's win over the Browns. However, Elam appears to be ready to play again given his status in Monday's estimated sessions, so he'll likely slot back into a reserve role at cornerback against the Lions on Thanksgiving Day.

Elam (ankle) is inactive Sunday against the Browns.

Elam was able to log a full practice Thursday, but he apparently is still not fully recovered from the injury, which also forced him out against the Vikings last Sunday. The rookie corner will try to be ready for Thanksgiving against the Lions, while Christian Benford will likely get increased opportunity Sunday against Cleveland.

Elam (ankle) was listed as a full participant on the Bills' practice report Thursday.

Elam picked up an ankle injury during the Bills' Week 9 loss to the Jets and was sidelined for the following game versus Minnesota. The rookie cornerback then returned to practice in a limited fashion Wednesday, and he appears set to play Week 11 after logging a full session Friday. Elam primarily played a rotational role over his first eight games, recording 34 tackles, three passes defended and two interceptions, and he should reprise this role against the run-first Browns offense Sunday.

Elam (ankle) was able to practice on a limited basis Wednesday.

While Elam is still a rookie, his presence was missed in Sunday's loss to the Vikings, as the Bills couldn't do anything to stop Justin Jefferson. Buffalo's secondary is quite banged up even outside of Elam's injury, so if he can rally and return Sunday against the Browns, it'd be a nice boost toward the team's quest to halt a two-game losing streak.

Elam (ankle) is listed as inactive for Sunday's game against the Vikings.

As expected, Elam won't play in Sunday's contest versus Minnesota as a result of an ankle injury he sustained during last Sunday's matchup against the Jets. In the rookie first-rounder's absence, Dane Jackson and Taron Johnson are in line for expanded roles at cornerback in Week 10.

The Bills have listed Elam (ankle) as doubtful for Sunday's game against the Vikings, Chris Brown of the Bills' official site reports.

After practicing in limited fashion to start the week, Elam was a non-participant Thursday and Friday. Thus, he is seemingly trending in the wrong direction. If he is indeed unable to give it a go, Siran Neal could potentially see some extra snaps providing depth at cornerback.

Elam (ankle) returned during the fourth quarter of Sunday's game against the Jets, Alaina Getzenberg of ESPN.com reports.

Elam stepped back in to replace veteran cornerback Dane Jackson with the game tied 17-17 late in the fourth quarter, per Getzenberg. The rookie recorded 31 tackles, three passes defended and two interceptions over the first seven games of the season, and it will be worth monitoring his health status during practice this following week.

Elam is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Jets with an ankle injury.

Elam logged two tackles before leaving in the second half, though the exact nature and severity of this issue are still unclear. With the first-round rookie out, expect fellow reserve cornerbacks Siran Neal and Christian Benford to step up into bigger roles behind Taron Johnson and Dane Jackson.

Elam recorded 10 tackles (seven solo) and one interception during Sunday's 38-3 win over the Steelers.

Easily his best outing as a pro, Elam collected double-digit stops and also caught the first interception of his young career Sunday against Pittsburgh. Since fellow rookie cornerback Christian Benford broke his hand during the Bills' Week 3 contest versus Miami, the 191-pounder has seen a massive jump in playing time over the last two weeks (134-of-135 possible defensive snaps) as a result. Elam hopes to keep the train rolling Sunday against the Chiefs.

With teammate Dane Jackson being ruled out for Week 3 due to a neck injury, Elam is expected to have a major role in this week's road game at Miami.

Elam has already been co-starting with fellow rookie Christian Benford, seeing 45 percent of the snaps in the opener and 63 percent of the snaps in Week 2. Expect that number to spike even higher in Week 3, and he could be a decent candidate for tackles if your league uses the corner spot, especially with the way the Dolphins have been passing the ball in early action.

Bills defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier indicated this week that the team will "mix it up" between Elam and fellow rookie Christian Benford when the team takes on the Rams on Thursday Night Football, Chris Brown of the Bills' official site reports.

Those statements indicate that Dane Jackson has won one of the starting cornerback sports, while Elam and Benford will compete for playing time until normal starter Tre'Davious White (knee) returns from injured reserve. Of course, one of the two rookies could outplay Jackson over the first month of the season. The bottom line is this is a fluid situation, as Frazier stated, "We're still going through the process with them. They both had good training camps for us. And we'll mix it up in the ballgame and see how things are going as the game goes on."

Elam, drafted 23rd overall in April, is expected to compete for a starting spot opposite Tre'Davious White, Dante Lasting of the Bills' official site reports.

The open spot seems to be up for grabs between Elam and veterans Siran Neal and Dane Jackson. Neal may be more valuable in a more all-around role due to his versatility, and if that comes into fruition then the rookie Elam would simply have to beat out Jackson for the starting job. Elam definitely has the upside and first-round pedigree, so it may come down to his ability to catch on with the pro game. Jackson has familiarity in Leslie Frazier's defense and spent some time as a starter last season after White went down with a knee injury.

Elam, who was chosen No. 23 overall in the recent draft, has signed his rookie contract, the

Now that the paperwork is out of the way, Elam can get on with trying to earn the starting cornerback spot across from Tre'Davious White. The team opens the NFL's season in prime time against the Super Bowl Champion Rams.