Buffalo Bills defensive end A.J. Epenesa (rib) is not expected to return to Sunday's showdown with the Kansas City Chiefs. The 25-year-old had a pick to begin the day. Unfortunately, he'd go on to suffer a rib injury, so his day is likely over. Epenesa is one of Buffalo's top defenders, ranking second in sacks with 6.5. Of course, the team hopes Epenesa will be good to go in Week 15 against the Dallas Cowboys, although he'll likely miss practice time leading up to that one.
Buffalo Bills rookie defensive end A.J. Epenesa, who was drafted in the second round, could have a short learning curve in the NFL and might wind up splitting snaps immediately in a rotation with Jerry Hughes and Mario Addison on Buffalo's defensive line. Epenesa's presence makes defensive end Trent Murphy a potential cut or trade candidate in training camp. Quinton Jefferson was also brought in this offseason at a suddenly deep position for the Bills. Murphy had 36 tackles (24 solo), nine tackles for loss, nine QB hits, five sacks, one interception, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries in 16 games last year.
The Buffalo Bills selected Iowa edge rusher A.J. Epenesa with the No. 54 overall pick of the second round in the 2020 NFL Draft on Friday. Epenesa is intimidating at 6-foot-5, 275 pounds on the defensive line and uses stellar hand work to excel as a run-stopper and power player. He can play either defensive end or defensive tackle, giving an already nasty Buffalo defense some more versatility. Epenesa needs to become more consistent and didn't show well at the combine in February, but his versatility and power should help him set the edge in the running game. He had 11.5 sacks and 49 tackles for loss in 2019.
A.J. Epenesa
• DE
•
Bills
