The Buffalo Bills open the 2025 NFL season next Sunday night against the Baltimore Ravens, a rematch of the 2024 Divisional playoffs. The Bills received bad news today: Buffalo defensive tackle DeWayne Carter is out for 2025 due to an Achilles tendon tear. Carter’s injury comes on the heels of an injury-shortened season for the young defensive tackle after suffering a wrist injury in 2024.
The injury was confirmed earlier today by NFL insider Jordan Schultz.
Sources: #Bills DT DeWayne Carter tore his Achilles and will miss the entire 2025 season.
The talented 2024 3rd-round pick was poised to be part of Buffalo’s defensive rotation this year. A tough blow. pic.twitter.com/J9fF1tz2vL
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) August 31, 2025
The Buffalo Bills drafted Carter in the 3rd round of the NFL draft in 2024. During the 2024 season, Carter played in 11 games on the Bills’ defensive line. For the 2024 season, Carter recorded 11 solo tackles, 3 assists, one deflected pass, and three quarterback hurries.
During the offseason, Bills GM Brandon Beane talked positively about Carter, and according to a Sports Illustrated article, Beane said, “I think DeWayne’s come back with a purpose.” Beane also added, “He’s been here a lot this offseason, and I think he’s working hard.” However, just before the start of the next season, Carter suffered a torn Achilles tendon, which will prevent him from contributing to the Bills’ defense.
The 6’3″, 305-pound Carter spent five seasons at Duke University and played in 52 games for the Blue Devils. Carter achieved significant success at Duke with 48 solo tackles, 78 assists, and 12 quarterback sacks. If Carter’s collegiate performance is indicative of future success, he could eventually develop into a role that allows him to consistently contribute to the Buffalo defense.
Carter’s season-ending injury leaves the Bills with only two active defensive tackles, Ed Oliver and T.J. Sanders. What was a strong position group for the Bills now needs additional depth. As Buffalo prepares this week to face the Baltimore Ravens, we will need to monitor this situation to see if the Bills sign a player to replace Carter or promote someone from their practice roster.
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Main Photo: [Mark Konezny] – Imagn Images
