Sean McDermott's Bills move on from Super Bowl champion DE early in preseason

After the first preseason game, the Buffalo Bills decided to reshape their pass rush. However, this one comes as a little shocking. A bit more than a week ago, the team signed a Super Bowl champion and now, they’re releasing him. Sean McDermott is still looking to establish what his defensive line will be.

Justin Hollins joined the Bills on August 5th. Hollins won the Super Bowl with the Los Angeles Rams back in the 2021 season. However, it seems that he suffered an injury and that led to his release. It seems, though, there is an option of returning at some point down the line.

“If unclaimed, Hollins will land on Buffalo’s Injured Reserve list until a settlement can be reached,” Ralph Ventre of SI.com reported. This means, Hollins is not entirely out of a job just yet. He can still be a part of Sean McDermott‘s team.

Hollins might add something to the Bills if he’s back

Hollins is entering his sixth year in the NFL. He was drafted by Denver in the fifth round in 2019. After that, he was traded to the Rams, where he helped them win the Super Bowl. During the 2022 season, he signed with Green Bay. Then he spent the 2023 season playing for the Packers at first, and then Giants and Chargers.

Justin Hollins #58 of the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on November 13, 2022 in Inglewood, California.

Hollins has been a role player during his career. He has 10.5 career sacks, 10 tackles for loss, 16 QB hits and three forced fumbles. While he is not a game-wrecker, he has experience and athleticism.

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What is Justin Hollins’ injury?

Hollins suffered a partially torn right pectoral muscle against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The player decided to undergo a surgery. Usually, this injury takes from six to 12 weeks to recover.

This would make Hollins available, in a best-case scenario, until week five of the regular season. Whether he plays for the Bills or elsewhere remains to be seen. What has been proven is he draws interest from other franchises.