Shaq Lawson Injury: Updates on Bills DE's Recovery from Shoulder Surgery

Timothy RappJul 29, 2016

Buffalo Bills rookie defensive end Shaq Lawson continues to recover from shoulder surgery performed in June, and it is uncertain when he will return to action. The team has placed him on the physically unable to perform list.

Continue for updates.

Lawson Placed on PUP List

Tuesday, Aug. 30

Jayson Braddock of SportsTalk 790 noted the Bills moved Lawson to the reserve/physically unable to perform list. The Bills first put Lawson on the PUP list on July 29, via Mike Rodak of ESPN.

Latest on Lawson's Timeline for Return

Monday, Aug. 22

Sal Capaccio of WGR 550 reported the Bills are targeting November for Lawson's return but are "hoping he can be ready a bit sooner."

On Aug. 10, Adam Schefter of ESPN reported that Lawson "is not expected to return until October" at the earliest. Mike Rodak of ESPN later passed along a report from Schefter that Lawson is expected back between Weeks 6 and 8.

Lawson Drafted to Be Dangerous Force in Bills Defense

Lawson, 22, was selected No. 19 overall by the Buffalo Bills in this year's NFL draft following an epic 2015 season that saw him register 24.5 tackles for loss and 12.5 sacks for Clemson during its run to the national championship game.

A dangerous player on the edge, Lawson landed in the NFL with the versatility to play defensive end in a 4-3 scheme or outside linebacker in the 3-4. While he isn't an elite athlete, he is a powerful player who holds up well against the run, sheds blocks and sets the edge. From an intangibles perspective, he plays with toughness and instinct.

But injuries are already a concern for the young pass-rusher. He underwent offseason surgery on his shoulder, which cost him a chunk of time in the team's activities over the summer and continues to sideline him.

Still, Lawson was expected to start the season at outside linebacker opposite of Jerry Hughes. While the Bills have decent depth at the position—Manny Lawson and IK Enemkpali can each play the position—the rookie's ability to make a difference against the pass and rush gives the Bills far more versatility and allows Rex Ryan the freedom to mix and match his blitzing schemes.

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