Bills' Zane Durant Remains on Injured Reserve
The fifth-round pick from Penn State has practiced without pads, but his activation this season remains uncertain.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Football
Buffalo selected defensive tackle Zane Durant in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, but he was placed on injured reserve at the end of August with a neck stinger. He has been participating in practice in a jersey without pads while remaining on the list.
Why it matters
Durant's status leaves Buffalo without a player the team invested a draft pick in as the Bills, now 6-1, continue their season. Bills insider Matt Parrino said he is unsure whether Durant will be activated this year.
Durant's final Penn State season produced 25 tackles, 4 sacks and an interception, while Buffalo stands at 6-1. It remains unclear whether he will return from injured reserve this year.
The players
Zane Durant
Zane Durant is a defensive tackle who played four years at Penn State before Buffalo drafted him in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Joe Brady
Joe Brady is the head coach of the Buffalo Bills, who has said the defense should expect to play at its recent level every week.
The details
Durant was placed on injured reserve at the end of August due to a neck stinger. He has been on the practice field wearing a jersey with no pads, and Bills head coach Joe Brady has not indicated a timeline for his return.
Timeline
2026 NFL Draft: Buffalo selects Durant in the fifth round.
End of August 2026: Durant placed on injured reserve with a neck stinger.
Monday, November 3, 2026: Bills face the Minnesota Vikings on Monday Night Football.
Season Trajectory
Durant's injured reserve status is a reminder that rookie depth on the defensive line matters as the season moves toward the playoffs. Buffalo's current 6-1 start leaves little room for a developing defensive tackle to affect the rotation this year.
Fantasy managers should not expect Durant to contribute to Buffalo's defensive line rotation this season. Buffalo's next game against the Vikings is set for Monday night, November 3.
The takeaway
Durant's injured reserve stint shows that draft picks often need months before they can contribute, so readers tracking Buffalo's depth should watch for any update on his activation. The Bills' defense looked stronger against Baltimore, which may reduce pressure to rush him back.
What happens next
The Bills play the Minnesota Vikings on Monday, November 3, 2026, on Monday Night Football.
Further reading
For more on the team, see the latest Buffalo Bills coverage in our football section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Heavy.
