Logo

Bills Rookie DE Leaves Camp After Being Left Off Second Straight Preseason Roster

Bills activate rookie Landon Jackson from PUP list

Orchard Park, NY – The Buffalo Bills’ training camp took an unexpected twist this week when rookie cornerback Ladon Jackson, a late-round pick fighting for a roster spot, abruptly left the field midway through practice.

According to team insiders, Jackson learned earlier in the day that — for the second consecutive preseason game — his name would not appear on the active roster. For a Day 3 rookie, missing valuable preseason snaps can be a career-defining setback, especially when every rep is a chance to prove your worth in the NFL.

Landon Jackson

Witnesses say Jackson quietly collected his gear, exchanged brief words with a fellow defensive back, and exited the field before final drills. The move caught several veterans off guard, as Jackson had shown flashes of raw athleticism and length in early practices before a minor hamstring injury slowed his momentum.

Coming out of college, Jackson had built a reputation for physical press coverage and a willingness to mix it up in run support. Bills coaches initially praised his versatility, even giving him early special-teams reps in camp.

We are Landon Jackson (94) days away from Bills regular-season football! :  r/buffalobills

However, as depth-chart battles intensified and with veterans plus higher draft selections ahead of him, Jackson’s opportunities began to shrink. Sitting out the first preseason game was already a blow; hearing he’d be inactive again for Week 2 may have been the final straw.

Head Coach Sean McDermott addressed the situation briefly after practice:

“We expect our guys to battle through every challenge. The NFL is about resilience. You have to be ready when your number’s called — even if it’s later than you hoped.”

Bills place rookie DE Landon Jackson on PUP list - NBC Sports

The Bills have not announced any disciplinary measures, but sources suggest that Jackson’s walkout could severely hurt his chances of surviving final cuts.

With just one preseason game left before the roster is trimmed to 53, Jackson’s future in Buffalo now hangs in the balance. Whether he returns to camp or looks for an opportunity elsewhere, one thing is clear: in the NFL, the window to make an impression is small — and walking away can close it for good.

Chiefs Locker Room Erupts, Chris Jones Under Investigation for NFL Sports Betting in Jaguars Game - HC Andy Reid Hands Down Harsh Punishment
Kansas City, MO – The Kansas City Chiefs' locker room is in turmoil following an NFL investigation into defensive star Chris Jones over allegations related to sports betting. Jones, a multiple-time Pro Bowler, has been placed on non-disciplinary paid leave through Week 10, while head coach (HC) Andy Reid has imposed internal penalties after a suspicious performance in the loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. SOURCE: https://x.com/TheNFLDrop/status/1975574483990909165 The incident stems from a decisive play at the end of the game, where Jones – the Chiefs' top defensive tackle – appeared to "do absolutely nothing" to stop quarterback Trevor Lawrence from scoring the game-winning touchdown. According to sources, this lack of effort prompted the NFL to launch an investigation, suspecting possible involvement in betting, a serious violation of league rules. "He just stood there watching Lawrence run into the end zone like he was watching a movie," an anonymous teammate shared, reflecting the outrage in the locker room. Jones, 31, has been a cornerstone for the Chiefs since being selected in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft from Mississippi State. With an impressive career including 3 Pro Bowls, 2 Super Bowl wins, and 75.5 sacks, he signed a 5-year, $158 million contract in 2023. However, this season, Jones has only recorded 2 sacks through 5 games, and his performance against the Jaguars has drawn sharp criticism from Chiefs fans on social media. HC Andy Reid reacted strongly, penalizing Jones by sidelining him from practices and requiring an internal explanation. "We do not tolerate any behavior that harms the team or undermines the integrity of the game," Reid stated post-game. "Our organization prides itself on discipline and trust, and while we await the results of the NFL's investigation, we'll handle this internally to ensure it doesn't distract from our goals. Chris is a talented player, but no one is above the standards we set here in Kansas City." Meanwhile, the Chiefs' locker room is described as "explosive" with arguments, as some players like Patrick Mahomes express disappointment but still offer support for their teammate. The NFL investigation is expected to continue, and if violations are proven, Jones could face a long-term suspension. The Chiefs, currently at 2-3, must quickly stabilize their roster ahead of their next matchup. Fans are watching closely, with many calling this potentially the "biggest scandal of the season."