NFL News Roundup: Bills Rookie DE Landon Jackson Placed on PUP List Ahead of Training Camp…see more…
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — The Buffalo Bills have officially placed rookie defensive end Landon Jackson on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list just days before the start of training camp, according to the team’s announcement on Saturday. The move signals a cautious approach by the Bills’ medical and coaching staff as they manage Jackson’s health heading into his first NFL season.
Jackson, a fourth-round pick out of Arkansas, was expected to compete for depth snaps in Buffalo’s defensive line rotation. However, his placement on the active/PUP list means he won’t be participating in on-field drills when camp opens. He can be activated at any time during camp, but the designation allows the team more flexibility while giving Jackson time to recover without rushing the process.
Jackson’s Injury Status Remains Vague
The Bills did not publicly specify the nature of Jackson’s injury, only stating that he was dealing with a “lingering issue” from his college career. He appeared healthy during rookie minicamp and OTAs, but the team’s medical staff likely spotted something that warranted caution before the physically demanding camp period begins.
At Arkansas, Jackson was known for his explosive first step and length off the edge. He recorded 6.5 sacks and 13.5 tackles for loss in 2023 and was viewed as a high-upside developmental pass rusher by NFL scouts. He also played through injuries at times during his collegiate career, raising questions about long-term durability.
Bills’ Defensive Line Faces Depth Concerns
Jackson’s absence, even if temporary, adds a layer of uncertainty to a defensive line group that is already dealing with questions of depth and health. Von Miller, now 35 and returning from a torn ACL suffered in 2022, is not guaranteed to play a full season at peak performance. Gregory Rousseau and A.J. Epenesa remain in place as key rotational ends, but the team was hoping Jackson would offer youthful explosiveness to complement the veterans.
Buffalo also lost defensive end Leonard Floyd to free agency in the offseason, thinning their edge presence. If Jackson’s recovery extends into the regular season, the team may need to lean more heavily on 2023 fifth-rounder Kingsley Jonathan or consider veteran free agents still available on the market.
What the PUP List Means
The PUP list allows teams to place players who are not yet physically able to practice at the start of camp in a protected roster spot. While on the active/PUP list, players can attend meetings and use team facilities but cannot participate in on-field practices. If Jackson remains on the list through the preseason, he could be moved to the reserve/PUP list, which would sideline him for at least the first four games of the regular season.
However, the Bills have given no indication that Jackson’s injury is that severe. The expectation remains that this is a short-term move aimed at ensuring the rookie doesn’t aggravate a minor issue by ramping up too quickly.
Sean McDermott’s Philosophy on Rookie Development
Head coach Sean McDermott has long emphasized caution and development when handling rookies, especially on defense. In his tenure, the Bills have often eased young players into significant roles. Jackson, while physically gifted, was never projected to start immediately. Instead, the plan was likely to groom him behind Rousseau and Epenesa, allowing him to grow within defensive coordinator Bobby Babich’s system.
“Landon has all the traits we look for in a young pass rusher — motor, length, work ethic,” McDermott said during rookie minicamp. “We want to make sure he’s fully ready to contribute when the time comes.”
McDermott’s remarks underscore the team’s long-term investment in Jackson rather than rushing him into early-season action.
Reaction Around the League
NFL insiders have largely echoed the sentiment that Jackson’s PUP designation is a precautionary measure rather than a cause for alarm. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport noted that “the Bills are simply being careful with a young player they like a lot. Don’t expect this to be a long-term situation unless something changes during camp.”
Draft analysts also reminded fans that rookies often face steep learning curves in the NFL. Former NFL scout and ESPN analyst Matt Bowen tweeted, “Landon Jackson has upside, but he needs time in a pro weight room and practice system. This gives him that buffer.”
The Bigger Picture for the Bills
The Bills enter 2025 with tempered expectations after consecutive early playoff exits. The front office retooled several areas of the roster this offseason, particularly on defense. With key veterans aging and the AFC East growing more competitive, Buffalo will need contributions from its rookie class sooner rather than later.
Jackson’s ability to adapt to NFL speed and scheme could be a factor late in the season. For now, his focus will be on rehabbing and absorbing the mental aspects of the game. The hope is that a gradual ramp-up will allow him to contribute when the games matter most in November and December.
Looking Ahead
Training camp officially opens on July 23, and the Bills will hold practices at St. John Fisher University in Pittsford, N.Y. Fans and media alike will be monitoring Jackson’s progress throughout camp, with updates likely to emerge in the coming days.
If Jackson is activated from the PUP list in the early weeks of camp, he could still participate in the team’s joint practices and preseason games in August, which would be vital for his evaluation and growth.
Until then, the Bills will move forward with their current group of edge rushers, while hoping their fourth-round investment pays off down the stretch. Whether or not Jackson takes the field in Week 1, the Bills seem committed to playing the long game with a player they believe has the t
ools to be an impact defender in the years ahead.
