Elam will start at cornerback opposite of Tre'Davious White during Sunday's divisional-round matchup against the Bengals, Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic reports.
Elam and Dane Jackson both left the Bills' wild-card win over Miami with injuries, but Elam was omitted from Buffalo's initial injury report Wednesday, while Jackson was cleared Thursday. However, despite being healthy, Jackson will give way to Elam to start the game, though both players will likely see action during the playoff matchup.
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Bills' Kaiir Elam: Not listed on injury report
Rotowire
Elam (leg) isn't listed on the injury report Wednesday.
Elam left Buffalo's wild-card win over Miami early due to leg cramps, but he should be good to go for Sunday's divisional-round matchup against Cincinnati. The rookie first-round pick has played a significant rotational role for the Bills' defense this year, so his availability should be a solid boost against Joe Burrow and the Bengals' balanced passing attack. He also might be pushed into a starter's role this weekend if Dane Jackson (knee) is unable to suit up.
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Bills' Kaiir Elam: Leaves with injury
Rotowire
Elam exited Sunday's 34-31 win over the Dolphins with leg cramps.
Elam was unable to finish the game. However, if it was just leg cramps it's unlikely to impact the rookie corner's availability next weekend. His practice status in the days ahead will likely shed more light on his potential to play in the AFC divisional round.
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Bills' Kaiir Elam: Won't play Thursday
Rotowire
Elam (coach's decision) will not play in Thursday Night Football against the Patriots, Alaina Getzenberg of ESPN.com reports.
Elam missed back-to-back games with an ankle injury before returning against the Lions on Thanksgiving Day. However, Bills coach Sean McDermott said the rookie first-round pick still dealt with pain from this issue while playing against Detroit, causing him to slot into a backup role behind Christian Benford, per Alaina Getzenberg of ESPN.com. While Benford (oblique) was placed on injured reserve Saturday, Elam will sit once again despite being considered a full participant in each practice Week 13. As a result, expect Dane Jackson, Xavier Rhodes and Tre'Davious White to serve as the Bills' top cornerbacks against New England.
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Bills' Kaiir Elam: Full participant in walkthrough
Rotowire
Elam (ankle) was listed as a full participant on Monday's estimated injury report, according to Chris Brown of the Bills' official site.
Elam picked up an ankle injury Week 9 versus the Jets and was sidelined for the following game against Minnesota. The rookie first-round pick returned to practice in full last Friday, but he was still ruled inactive for Sunday's win over the Browns. However, Elam appears to be ready to play again given his status in Monday's estimated sessions, so he'll likely slot back into a quasi-starter role against the Lions on Thanksgiving Day.
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Bills' Kaiir Elam: Returns to limited work
Rotowire
Elam (ankle) was able to practice on a limited basis Wednesday.
While Elam is still a rookie, his presence was missed in Sunday's loss to the Vikings, as the Bills couldn't do anything to stop Justin Jefferson. Buffalo's secondary is quite banged up even outside of Elam's injury, so if he can rally and return Sunday against the Browns, it'd be a nice boost toward the team's quest to halt a two-game losing streak.
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Bills' Kaiir Elam: Sitting out in Week 10
Rotowire
Elam (ankle) is listed as inactive for Sunday's game against the Vikings.
As expected, Elam won't play in Sunday's contest versus Minnesota as a result of an ankle injury he sustained during last Sunday's matchup against the Jets. In the rookie first-rounder's absence, Dane Jackson and Taron Johnson are in line for expanded roles at cornerback in Week 10.
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Bills' Kaiir Elam: Questionable to return
Rotowire
Elam is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Jets with an ankle injury.
Elam logged two tackles before leaving in the second half, though the exact nature and severity of this issue are still unclear. With the first-round rookie out, expect fellow reserve cornerbacks Siran Neal and Christian Benford to step up into bigger roles behind Taron Johnson and Dane Jackson.
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Bills' Kaiir Elam: Competing for starting job
Rotowire
Elam, drafted 23rd overall in April, is expected to compete for a starting spot opposite Tre'Davious White, Dante Lasting of the Bills' official site reports.
The open spot seems to be up for grabs between Elam and veterans Siran Neal and Dane Jackson. Neal may be more valuable in a more all-around role due to his versatility, and if that comes into fruition, then Elam would simply have to beat out Jackson for the starting job. Elam has upside and recent draft capital in his favor, so winning the starting gig may come down to his ability to catch on with the pro game. Jackson has familiarity in Leslie Frazier's defense and spent some time as a starter last season after White went down with a knee injury.
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Bills' Kaiir Elam: Inks first NFL deal
Rotowire
Elam, who was chosen No. 23 overall in the recent draft, has signed his rookie contract, the Bills' official site reports. The team has also announced that all other draft picks have signed.
Now that the paperwork is out of the way, Elam can get on with trying to earn the starting cornerback spot across from Tre'Davious White. The team opens the NFL's season in prime time against the Super Bowl champion Rams.
