Bills' DeWayne Carter Says Achilles Recovery on Track

Defensive lineman expects to be cleared for training camp after missing 2025 season.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 8:59am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the explosive movements of a football player, with sharp planes of navy, green, and orange overlapping to capture the raw energy of the sport.A cubist interpretation of a defensive lineman's powerful movements, reflecting the Bills' transition to a new defensive scheme.Buffalo Today

Buffalo Bills defensive lineman DeWayne Carter says his recovery from a torn Achilles tendon that ended his 2025 season is going well and he expects to be cleared to return for training camp this year. Carter, a 2024 third-round draft pick, believes the team's new 3-4 defensive scheme under coordinator Jim Leonhard will play to his versatility to play both tackle and end.

Why it matters

The Bills are looking to bounce back after a disappointing 2025 season, and getting a key defensive lineman like Carter back healthy will be a big boost. Carter's ability to play multiple positions along the line should help the team's transition to a new defensive system.

The details

Carter, who is now eight months post-op from the Achilles injury, says he feels strong and confident he'll be ready for training camp. The 2024 third-round pick indicated the new 3-4 defensive scheme installed by coordinator Jim Leonhard may play to his versatility, allowing him to line up at both tackle and end.

  • Carter suffered the Achilles injury during the 2025 season, ending his year.
  • Carter is now eight months post-op from the Achilles surgery.

The players

DeWayne Carter

A defensive lineman for the Buffalo Bills who missed the 2025 season due to an Achilles injury.

Jim Leonhard

The new defensive coordinator for the Buffalo Bills, who is installing a new 3-4 defensive scheme.

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What they’re saying

“I'm eight months post-op now, so I feel strong.”

— DeWayne Carter, Bills Defensive Lineman

“Yeah, yep, I'll be ready to go.”

— DeWayne Carter, Bills Defensive Lineman

“I think with that 3-4 element that we have now it's going to be interesting to see. Learn every spot and we'll figure out where to go from there.”

— DeWayne Carter, Bills Defensive Lineman

What’s next

The Bills will monitor Carter's progress throughout the offseason and into training camp to ensure he is fully recovered and ready to contribute to the team's new defensive scheme.

The takeaway

DeWayne Carter's recovery from a significant Achilles injury is a positive sign for the Bills as they look to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 season. His versatility to play multiple positions along the defensive line should help the team's transition to a new defensive system under coordinator Jim Leonhard.