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Bills Rookie Did Not Participate Today After Donating Bl00d to Save His Mother’s Heart Valve Surgery

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The story of CB Dorian Strong, the Bills sixth-round pick
Buffalo, NY – The Buffalo Bills were without one of their young starters at practice today, but the reason was deeply personal and had nothing to do with football.

The absence came after a remarkable act of sacrifice, as a rookie cornerback stepped away from the field to donate blood in order to help his mother undergo

heart valve replacement surgery earlier this week.

That rookie is Dorian Strong, a sixth-round pick (No. 177 overall) out of Virginia Tech, who has unexpectedly been thrust into a starting role due to injuries in the secondary. Through four games, he has delivered a steady presence in coverage for Buffalo’s defense.

Strong has recorded 9 solo tackles, 1 assist, and 10 total tackles while allowing just 4 completions on 5 targets for 54 yards, per Sporting News. He has yet to tally an interception, sack, or forced fumble, but his reliability has impressed the coaching staff.

According to Pro Football Focus, Strong holds a 68.5 grade, ranking third among Bills rookies behind defensive linemen T.J. Sanders and Landon Jackson. He has logged roughly 70% of defensive snaps (about 180 of 260) along with 20% on special teams, playing primarily on the boundary.

His absence today was not performance-related, but a reflection of his priorities. Sources close to the family confirmed Strong’s blood donation directly aided his mother’s surgery, with his act described as both timely and selfless.

Head coach Sean McDermott spoke on behalf of the team: “Football comes second in moments like this. What Dorian did for his mother is bigger than any game. We’ll be here for him when he’s back on the field.”

For Bills fans, Strong has already become more than just a rookie cornerback. He’s shown the toughness and loyalty Buffalo embraces, proving that his impact goes far beyond the stat sheet.

Pittsburgh Steelers Reach Agreement with Safety Shilo Sanders, Pending Medical Evaluation Amid Personal Drama, per source
The Pittsburgh Steelers are adding intrigue to their practice squad plans, reaching an agreement with safety Shilo Sanders. The deal remains subject to a medical evaluation before it can be made official, leaving his status uncertain. Sanders, son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, brings both pedigree and baggage. Known for his ball-hawking instincts, he also carries a reputation for injuries and personal drama that have followed him throughout his career. Undrafted in 2025, Sanders signed with Tampa Bay and appeared in three preseason games. His stint ended abruptly after an ejection against Buffalo for unnecessary roughness, prompting the Buccaneers to waive him on August 24. Despite the setback, Pittsburgh sees potential value. Sanders collected 161 tackles, 11 interceptions, and six forced fumbles across 41 college games, with his 2023 season at Colorado highlighting his ability to create turnovers and lead a defense. The Steelers’ secondary has dealt with depth concerns, and Sanders’ versatility offers a possible solution. He can rotate at safety, provide nickel coverage, and contribute on special teams — all traits valued in Pittsburgh’s defensive culture. However, health remains the deciding factor. Sanders suffered an ACL tear in 2022 and missed time again in 2024 due to nagging injuries. Team doctors will determine whether his body can withstand NFL competition. Layered over the medical risk is the personal drama surrounding Sanders. Legal battles, financial trouble, and family headlines have raised questions about his focus, but the Steelers have a history of managing strong personalities. For Sanders, joining Pittsburgh would represent another opportunity to reset his NFL path. If he clears medical evaluation, he could find a stable environment to prove he belongs in the league despite the noise around him.