Buffalo Bills cornerback Taron Johnson has given fans a scare during the team’s preseason opener against the New York Giants on Saturday. After making a tackle, Johnson took a knee with a suspected neck injury.
What Happened to Bills Cornerback Taron Johnson?
With the Bills trailing 3-0, with 3 minutes and 48 seconds left of the first quarter, Johnson stormed into the Giants’ backfield to deliver a huge hit at the line of scrimmage.
What a Tackle by Taron Johnson #BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/PDcNWwAh52
— SleeperBills (@SleeperBills) August 9, 2025
The tackle arrived as rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart checked down to his right, with the seven-year veteran arriving immediately with a huge hit.
Head coach Sean McDermott had made the decision to play his starters against the Giants, though the backups were expected to take over after a quarter or so. If the Bills were worried about injuries before the game, Johnson’s scare would only have served to heighten those concerns.
The Bills suffered a host of injuries to their defense in 2024 and will need to be healthier this season if they’re to reach their first Super Bowl in over 30 years.
Johnson Cleared to Return After Concussion Scare
Injury aside, it was a great play from the Bills’ corner, who has started all 29 of his regular-season appearances for Buffalo over the last two years. He was checked for a concussion, but was quickly cleared.
Johnson was evaluated for a concussion and has been cleared to return to the game. Can’t imagine we’ll see him back. https://t.co/oBkZPQo2Ky
— Matt Parrino (@MattParrino) August 9, 2025
The veteran is unlikely to return, though, given the priority of player health over the result at this point in the year.
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Johnson left the game with two tackles, including the one that injured him, and will hopefully be good to go for next week’s game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field.
One more positive sign for the Bills was the performance of veteran linebacker Matt Milano, who has played just nine games over the past two seasons. A leader of the defense and a difference maker on the field, a healthy season from the 2022 first-team All-Pro would be a huge boost.
The Bills will also be hoping to get first-round rookie cornerback Maxwell Hairston up to speed before the season, after he was listed as inactive for the Giants game.
Hairston was the fastest player at the 2025 NFL Combine, running a 4.28-second 40-yard dash. He has since been sidelined with an LCL sprain, which is unfortunate and will lead to some missed time, but it could have been worse for the rookie.
With Buffalo starting the season against the Baltimore Ravens, everyone will be needed.
