The Buffalo Bills are once again missing star defensive tackle Ed Oliver for the Week 3 game against the Miami Dolphins on Thursday night.
Oliver suffered an ankle injury at practice last week and was unable to suit up in Week 2 against the New York Jets. The 27-year-old was sporting a walking boot and was using a scooter to get around after sustaining the injury.
Ahead of Thursday night's game against the Dolphins, Oliver was a non-participant in practice throughout the week and was ruled out on Wednesday.
So, when can we expect Oliver to make his return to the field? Here's what we know about that.
When is Ed Oliver coming back?
Head coach Sean McDermott said he hopes to see Oliver back on the field soon but didn't provide a timeline for that when he announced the defensive tackle had been ruled out for Week 3.
“We listen to Nate (Breske) and our training staff, our medical team, all our docs the same way. We wait on their clearance, if you will, to say, ‘Hey, yeah, it's safe for the player to play.’ I think that's No. 1, I know No. 1, and then making sure a player cannot hurt himself potentially more with any injury," McDermott said.
However, there is some good news to report as of Thursday night, as Oliver has shed his walking boot, which is a positive sign for his chances of playing next week.
A look at #Bills DT Ed Oliver walking around tonight during pregame warmups.
— Jonathan Acosta (@_jacosta) September 18, 2025
Oliver is set to miss his second straight game tonight with an ankle injury.#BillsMafia @WGRZ pic.twitter.com/BRz5UBFXYq
Buffalo does have the luxury of taking its time with Oliver, as the Bills have a soft schedule over the next few weeks with games against the New Orleans Saints and New England Patriots coming up.
MORE NFL NEWS
- Steelers trade rumor: NFL insider gives update on Pittsburgh's interest in Tyreek Hill
- Surprise Tucker Kraft injury update leaves Packers TE's status for Week 3 in doubt
- NFL insider reveals Xavier Worthy's chances of playing in Chiefs' Week 3 game
- Ashton Jeanty says exactly what Raiders fans are thinking about his workload
- Ben Johnson makes troubling admission about Chicago Bears' practice habits