A.J. Epenesa - NFL News, Rumors, & Updates

Smaller defensive role in 2025 Epenesa tallied 32 total tackles (17 solo), including 2.5 sacks, and four passes defensed, including two interceptions, over 16 regular-season games in 2025.

Impact The Iowa product saw declines in several statistical categories compared to last season, recording fewer total tackles (39 to 32), sacks (6.0 to 2.5) and forced fumbles (two to zero) while playing significantly less defensive snaps (583 to 434). Despite the reduced workload, he remained an effective rotational edge defender and tied his career high in interceptions. Set to hit unrestricted free agency this offseason, Epenesa will likely explore other opportunities after his role dimished in 2025. He could draw interest from teams in need of a starting-caliber edge rusher ahead of the 2026 season.

5 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

A.J. Epenesa Reflects On His Season And Bills Moving Forward | Buffalo Bills Bills defensive end A.J Epenesa met with the media on January 18th 2026, one day after Divisional Round loss to Denver Broncos. Topics inclu...

JANUARY 18 • BUFFALOBILLS.COM

Past neck issue Epenesa (neck) has no injury designation ahead of Saturday's divisional-round matchup against the Broncos.

Impact The 27-year-old from Iowa practiced in a limited fashion throughout the week, but it now appears he's moved past his neck injury in time to play Saturday. Epenesa operated as one of Buffalo's top defensive ends during the regular season, recording 32 total tackles, including 2.5 sacks, and four passes defensed, with two interceptions, over 16 appearances. Back at full health, he's expected to play behind Joey Bosa and Greg Rousseau during the divisional-matchup in Denver.

JANUARY 15 • ROTOWIRE

Limited with neck injury Epenesa (neck) was a limited participant in practice Wednesday.

Impact Epenesa has been a limited participant in practice both Tuesday and Wednesday. The 27-year-old played his usual snap count (23) in the Bills' wild-card round matchup against the Jaguars, so it's unclear when his injury occurred. The six-year pro's status heading into the AFC divisional round will likely depend on his participation in practice Thursday.

JANUARY 14 • ROTOWIRE

A.J. Epenesa Discusses The Defense's Strong Communication And Ed Oliver's Impact On The Team Bills defensive end A.J. Epenesa addressed the media on Tuesday, January 13th, 2026. Topics include: Bo Nix's strengths, the defense's commu...

JANUARY 13 • BUFFALOBILLS.COM

Ready for Sunday's game Epenesa (illness) was a full participant in Friday's practice and does not carry an injury designation for Sunday's regular-season finale against the Jets.

Impact Epenesa popped up as a non-participant on Thursday's injury report due to an illness, but he appears to have already recovered from his ailment. A rotational defensive end, Epenesa could stand to handle an increased workload versus New York if Joey Bosa (hamstring), who is officially listed as questionable, doesn't play in Week 18.

JANUARY 2 • ROTOWIRE

Under the weather Epenesa (illness) did not practice Thursday.

Impact Epenesa popped up on Thursday's injury report due to an illness and wasn't able to practice. His practice participation during Friday's session should shed light on his chances of playing in Sunday's regular-season finale against the Jets. He's worked in a rotational role at defensive end this season, so Javon Solomon would absorb more snaps on defense in the event that Epenesa doesn't play Week 18.

JANUARY 1 • ROTOWIRE

A.J. Epenesa Talks Getting Interceptions, Anime And More! | Inside the Charge | Buffalo Bills Bills defensive end A.J. Epenesa and cornerback Tre'Davious White join Bills team reporter Maddy Glab on the latest episode of Inside the Ch...

DECEMBER 17, 2025 • BUFFALOBILLS.COM

A.J. Epenesa making late push to get another contract extension from Bills One factor that gets overlooked a lot in the month of December in the NFL is looking at which players are set to hit the open free agency ma...

DECEMBER 9, 2025 • BUFFALOWDOWN.COM

The Joe Burrow boost in Cincinnati proves short-lived as Bengals drop to 4-9

The Joe Burrow boost to Cincinnati’s playoff aspirations lasted but a week

DECEMBER 8, 2025 • Associated Press

A.J. Epenesa: "It's A Great Feeling To Come Out On Top" | Buffalo Bills Bills Defensive End A.J. Epenesa addressed the media after the Bills 39-34 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals on December 7th, 2025. Topics...

DECEMBER 7, 2025 • BUFFALOBILLS.COM

Bills rally for 39-34 win over Bengals thanks to Josh Allen's 4 TDs, Christian Benford's pick-6

The Buffalo Bills have won their second straight, rallying from a 10-point fourth-quarter deficit to beat the Cincinnati Bengals 39-34

DECEMBER 7, 2025 • Associated Press

A.J. Epenesa intercepts the Joe Burrow pass! | Bills vs. Bengals Highlights A.J. Epenesa intercepts the Joe Burrow pass vs. Cincinnati Bengals, 12/07/2025

DECEMBER 7, 2025 • BUFFALOBILLS.COM

4 Takeaways From the Bills' Win Over the Bengals

The Bills came back to beat the Bengals in Week 14. Here's what we learned.

DECEMBER 7, 2025 • FOX SPORTS

4 Takeaways From the Bills' Win Over the Bengals

Past foot injury Epenesa (foot) has no injury designation ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Bengals.

Impact Head coach Sean McDermott told reporters Friday that Epenesa "should be fine," after missing Thursday's practice due to a foot injury. Now fully healthy, Epenesa is likely to play an expanded role on the Bills' defensive line in Week 14, as Joey Bosa (hamstring) is in line to miss his first game of the season.

DECEMBER 5, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

DNP with foot Epenesa (foot) did not practice Thursday, Alaina Getzenberg of ESPN.com reports.

Impact Epenesa was a new addition to Thursday's injury report with a foot injury he likely suffered during Wednesday's session. With the potential absence of Joey Bosa (hamstring) looming as well, Epenesa's absence will mean a significant depth issue at defensive end for the Bills. If neither player can suit up Sunday, Javon Solomon will be the lone option opposite Greg Rousseau on the edge. With such a depleted room, practice squad members Shaq Lawson, Andre Jones, and Morgan Fox are candidates for Week 14 elevation.

DECEMBER 4, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Good to go Epenesa (concussion) has no injury designation ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Buccaneers.

Impact Epenesa managed to practice in full the entire week and has been cleansed of injury designation, indicating he was able to clear the league's concussion protocol and is ready to play in Sunday's contest. Before missing the Week 10 loss to the Dolphins, the 27-year-old participated in eight games this season where he accumulated 15 tackles (10 solo), including 2.5 sacks, two passes defensed, one interception, and one fumble recovery. With Epenesa's return, defensive end Javon Solomon will likely see diminished snaps as a rotational end.

NOVEMBER 14, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Mutual respect fuels QB friendship as Baker Mayfield prepares for showdown against Josh Allen

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield and Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen have developed a bond of mutual respect since being selected in the first round of the 2018...

NOVEMBER 13, 2025 • Associated Press

Buccaneers trying for their first win at Buffalo while making fourth trip north to play Bills

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are making just their fourth trip north to play the Buffalo Bills on Sunday and are 0-3 in the previous matchups there

NOVEMBER 13, 2025 • Associated Press

Practices in fill Epenesa (concussion) logged a full practice Wednesday, Alaina Getzenberg of ESPN.com reports.

Impact Epenesa missed Buffalo's Week 10 loss to Miami with a concussion. While it's encouraging that he returned to practice, it remains unclear whether he has cleared the league's concussion protocol. Epenesa will need to take that final step before being cleared for a Week 11 matchup against Tampa Bay.

NOVEMBER 13, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

GM Brandon Beane's failure to upgrade roster is hurting the Bills, especially in passing game

In retrospect, Bills general manager Brandon Beane should have tried harder at the trade deadline to improve Buffalo’s roster

NOVEMBER 10, 2025 • Associated Press

Ruled out for Week 10 Epenesa (concussion) won't play Sunday against the Dolphins, head coach Sean McDermott revealed Friday, Maddy Glab of the Bills' official site reports.

Impact Epenesa hasn't participated in practice throughout the week and will endure his first absence of the season Sunday. The rotational pass rusher has 2.5 sacks this season. Epenesa will need to clear the NFL's five-step concussion protocol to have a chance to play in Week 11 against the Buccaneers.

NOVEMBER 7, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Bills aim to extend winning streak against Dolphins in Sunday's AFC East matchup

The Buffalo Bills have been about as dominant against the Miami Dolphins as any team against an opponent in recent years

NOVEMBER 6, 2025 • Associated Press

Missing practice with concussion Epenesa (concussion) did not participate at practice Wednesday.

Impact Epenesa was quiet over 22 defensive snaps in Week 9 versus the Chiefs, but it's not clear if he suffered the concussion during that contest or sometime afterwards. Either way, he'll need to clear league concussion protocol by Sunday in order to suit up at Miami in Week 10.

NOVEMBER 6, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Pads stat sheet vs. Carolina Epenesa made four tackles (three solo), including 1.0 sacks, plus one pass defensed, an interception, during Buffalo's blowout win over the Panthers on Sunday.

Impact Epenesa has now racked up 15 tackles (10 solo), including 2.5 sacks, two passes defensed, including one interception, and one fumble recovery across seven regular-season appearances. He'll have a more difficult time bringing down the opposing quarterback against Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs' reliable O-line in Week 9, though that could change if standout guard Trey Smith (back) is unable to suit up for Kansas City.

OCTOBER 29, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

A.J. EPENESA NEWS

NEWS

BIO

STATS

VIDEOS

GAME LOG

INJURIES