The Buffalo Bills return to Highmark Stadium this Sunday for a 1 p.m. matchup with the New Orleans Saints. Buffalo enters the game as a heavy favorite, making it an ideal opportunity for head coach Sean McDermott to give rookie edge rusher Landon Jackson his debut.
Despite the team’s strong 3-0 start, Jackson has yet to take the field, not even dressing for a game. Instead, the Bills have relied on defensive end Javon Solomon, along with veterans Joey Bosa, A.J. Epenesa, and Greg Rousseau. Through three weeks, Solomon has logged significant snaps on both defense (30%) and special teams (63%), but has just one tackle to show for his efforts.
McDermott recently noted that Jackson was close to being activated for Thursday night’s game, and Sunday may finally present the right moment. With Solomon only playing nine defensive snaps in the last outing, Jackson could step into that role while gaining valuable game experience. Facing a struggling Saints team in a favorable matchup makes the timing even better.
Of course, there will be growing pains. Still, other rookies around the league, such as T.J. Sanders and Deone Walker, have been given opportunities to learn through mistakes early this season. Bills fans hope McDermott will take the same approach with Jackson, giving him a chance to contribute and develop starting this weekend.
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