Buffalo Bills rookie is headed for a harsh reality check in 2025

Buffalo Bills v Chicago Bears - NFL Preseason 2025
Buffalo Bills v Chicago Bears - NFL Preseason 2025 | Michael Reaves/GettyImages

The Week 4 inactive have been published by the Buffalo Bills’ PR X account and the only surprising inactive is right tackle Spencer Brown, who has been dealing with a calf injury. Despite being listed as questionable, he is not ready to go, therefore the Bills will be plugging someone else in the trenches to protect Josh Allen.

As for the rest of the list, there aren’t any major surprises as kickoff approaches. One name that has popped up on the inactives list every week so far is edge rusher Landon Jackson, who the Bills drafted in the 3rd round this past April.

Drafted out of Arkansas, Jackson looked like a bit of a steal on the second day of the draft, let alone in the third round. At one point, he was projected as a potential late first rounder. However, the Bills got themselves someone with a lot of value when they did. The only problem is that he hasn’t had the chance to show what he can bring in a meaningful game.

He’s been ruled inactive every week so far, and it’s been frustrating a bit for Bills fans. As a third round pick, you would think that he would atleast suit up and potentially get on the field even if it’s just on special teams. However, that hasn’t been the case and there might be a reason as to why.

Landon Jackson may be facing harsh reality check for 2025 season

Bills’ beat reporter, Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic, gave his take on why Jackson may not be suiting up for the Bills. Buscaglia answered a question that was sent to him on X about Jackson not being on the roster on game day, and here’s the post from Buscaglia answering a question about why Jackson may not get the nod to suit up:

The Bills signed edge rusher Michael Hoecht from the Los Angeles Rams to a three-year deal in free agency. Even though he’s still serving his six game suspension, he should be in the rotation once he comes back. Javon Solomon has been playing a good amount on defense and on special teams which earns him a roster spot each week.

Not to mention, the Bills have Greg Rousseau, Joey Bosa, and A.J. Epenesa. There's no way that Jackson gets a roster spot ahead of them.

Just like Buscaglia said, there is a chance that unless injuries start to come up on the defensive line, Jackson could be ruled inactive each week. While it’s not the worst idea to let him develop over time, as a third round pick, the expectations were a bit higher than what we have seen so far.

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