57 A.J. Epenesa DE

Epenesa, who struggled to transform his body for the pro game in his rookie season, heads into 2021 in better shape, Chris Brown of the Bills' official site reports. "He's more explosive," defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier noted of the defensive end. "He's really benefited from staying here which was something he couldn't do last offseason, because of all the things that were going on. I'm anxious to see once we get to training camp if some of the things that we're seeing now transfer to what we're going to do when we put pads on. But, man, he looks really, really good at this point."

Epenesa had to essentially switch positions relative to how he was used to at Iowa, as the Bills run a much different defense. He had problems all season getting his weight right and struggled with just 14 total tackles and one sack in 14 regular-season games. The 2020 second-rounder seems poised to have a bigger role in 2021, though Buffalo tends to run waves of defensive linemen so he's not quite near the IDP radar yet. Still, with young players like Epenesa and Ed Oliver, top picks Gregory Rousseau and Carlos Basham, and veterans like Jerry Hughes and Mario Addison, the Bills could feature a strong defensive line all season.

Epenesa (head) practiced fully again Saturday and does not have an injury designation for Monday's game at New England.

This is no surprise for the Iowa rookie, who avoided a concussion following a hit last Saturday against the Broncos. He'll resume his depth role on the defensive line against the Patriots.

Epenesa, who exited the Week 15 win over the Broncos with. a head injury, was listed as a full participant on Thursday's practice report.

The rookie from Iowa avoided a concussion, so he appears ready to serve his usual depth role when the Bills take on the Patriots on Monday night. Epenesa has posted a modest 10 tackles and 1.5 sacks in his first campaign as he continues to get up to speed in the pro game.

Epenesa left Saturday's win over the Broncos to be evaluated for a head injury.

The rookie second-round pick didn't record a tackle before leaving the contest. Epenesa will need to clear the five-step concussion protocol if one is confirmed.

Epenesa, who had to leave the team's Week 9 contest against the Cardinals with a concussion, was able to practice fully Wednesday.

Not that concussions can ever come at the right time, but the rookie from Iowa did get the advantage of the bye to work his way through the protocol and will likely not miss any game action. Epenesa continues to work as a rotational piece as he gets acclimated to the NFL, as he hasn't seen more than 35 percent of the defensive snaps in any game this season.

Epenesa was ruled out for the rest of Sunday's game versus the Cardinals after suffering a concussion.

Epenesa has entered the league's five-step concussion protocol. The Bills are on bye next week, so the rookie second-round pick has 14 days to get cleared for a Week 12 matchup against the Chargers.

Epenesa is being evaluated for a head injury during Sunday's game against the Cardinals.

The team is likely checking Epenesa for a concussion, and if that diagnosis is confirmed, the rookie second-rounder will be done for the day. Epenesa recorded one solo tackle before departing.

Epenesa has been made a game-day inactive for Sunday's game against the Jets.

This is a bit of a shocker considering the rookie out of Iowa was a second-rounder in April and was the team's top pick. But hey, this was a strange offseason and players received no preseason game experience, so the Bills will start the season with a more veteran look at defensive end, an area where they have plenty of depth.

Epenesa signed his four-year rookie contract with the Bills on Friday, Field Yates of ESPN reports.

The Bills now have their highest pick from the 2020 draft under contract. Epenesa was taken in the second round but was considered by some to be a first-round talent. He figures to be a fixture in Buffalo's defensive end rotation immediately.

The Bills selected Epenesa in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, 54th overall.

Epenesa had some first-round hype during the draft process but a poor showing at the combine hurt his stock. He had a 5.04 in the 40-yard dash and his three-cone drill is in the 25th percentile among defensive ends. That lines up with what he showed on tape, but Epenesa's calling card is his play strength. He collected double-digit sacks in each of his last two years at Iowa. Epenesa will need to develop his pass-rush rush skills in Buffalo to be a contributor as a rookie, but his power and frame (6-foot-5, 275 pounds with 34.5-inch arms) are a good foundation.