Bills cornerback: I tore ankle ligament in preseason and tried to play through it.

 

Following Wednesday’s walkthrough, Buffalo Bills cornerback Kaiir Elam told The Buffalo News that he was placed on injured reserve on November 2 due to a ruptured deltoid ligament in his ankle.

The deltoid ligament is the main ligament of the inner ankle.

Elam, a 2022 first-round selection by the Bills, said he was hurt in a preseason game at first.

Elam remarked, “I was running to the ball when somebody made a big hit, and they ran into my ankle.” It was simply one of those instances. I was performing so well that I didn’t want to sit down while I was fighting for a starting position. It was up to me to persevere and not be placed on injured reserve.

During training camp, Elam faced off against Christian Benford and Dane Jackson for the starting position opposite Tre’Davious White. Elam was not in action, Benford started the first week, and Jackson was the backup.

Elam missed the first four games due to injury. During the victory against Miami in Week 4, White suffered an Achilles tear and Benford hurt his shoulder. Elam started the London game and participated in 80 snaps, including 11 tackles. Elam started and played 70 snaps (three tackles) in the victory over the New York Giants the next week when Jackson (foot) was out.

Elam did not show in Weeks 1-6 on the official Bills injury report. He did not participate in either of the two games, having been designated as a limited participant before the Week 7 New England game and a full participant before the Week 8 Tampa Bay game.

Elam did not get a game status (questionable, doubtful, or out) in Weeks 1-8, leading to the belief at the time that he was a healthy scratch.

Elam stated, “It wasn’t healed when I got my opportunity, and it was something that can only get better with time.” “The doctor said it’s probably best you just let it rest and let it heal,” and they said it would have taken six months for me to recuperate if I had had surgery.

Prior to Sunday’s game against Dallas, Benford, Rasul Douglas, and Jackson rank as the top three outside cornerbacks for the Bills after their October 31 acquisition from Green Bay.

Elam is still listed as injured and has a 21-day practice window that began on December 6. He will be sidelined for the whole season if the Bills don’t activate him before December 27.

When asked if he reset his thoughts after his injured reserve stay, Elam said, “Definitely, to fortify my mind.” I am certain that I can contribute significantly to this club and perform at a high level. You start to question yourself when things aren’t going your way, so I told myself, “They’ll find out as soon as I get back.”

Could Elam lay the groundwork for 2024 by playing to the end?

“To simply show people who I am and what I can do is what makes every game important to me,” he remarked. All I can do is continue to be prepared, diligent in my rehabilitation, maintain excellent physical health, and create plays. Just give me what I can command.