Bills Rookie Cornerback to Miss Week 5 Game Against Patriots After Leaving Team to Care for His Hospitalized Mother

Bills Rookie Cornerback to Miss Week 5 Game Against Patriots After Leaving Team to Care for His Hospitalized Mother

The Buffalo Bills will head into their Week 5 matchup against the New England Patriots without the presence of a rookie cornerback, who was expected to make his long-awaited debut in a Bills uniform. According to team sources, the young player has temporarily left the team to return home to Raleigh, North Carolina, to care for his mother, who was recently hospitalized in serious condition.

His decision to step away from the team has touched many of his teammates, who offered words of support and understanding. The coaching staff made it clear that they fully back the young player’s choice, emphasizing that the team stands behind him during this difficult time. One teammate reportedly said, “Everyone understands that family comes first — we’ll fight for him this week.”

The rookie had shown promise during the preseason with his speed, awareness, and instincts in coverage. After patiently waiting through the first four weeks of the regular season, Week 5 was expected to be his long-awaited debut.

It was later confirmed that the player in question is Brandon Codrington, a 24-year-old defensive back out of North Carolina Central. During his college career, Codrington recorded 84 tackles, 4 interceptions, and several highlight-worthy punt returns, earning the attention of the Bills ahead of the 2024 season.

“I’ve been waiting for my chance to play ever since joining the Bills, and this week I was finally set to be part of the game-day roster. But when I got the call that my mom was hospitalized and things were serious, I knew I couldn’t stay. Family comes before everything else. I need to be there for her while she fights through this. I have full faith the team will do great — Buffalo has always been an incredible family,” Codrington said in a post on social media.

Brandon Codrington may not have stepped onto the field yet this season, but his decision to put family before football has already shown fans what kind of man he is — one whose heart and loyalty transcend the game itself.