Bills return from bye to host Panthers amid injuries and trade talk

The Buffalo Bills return from their Week 7 bye this weekend seeking to stop a two game slide and stabilize a team that opened the season 4-0. Buffalo (4-2) faces the Carolina Panthers on Sunday in Charlotte after consecutive losses to the New England Patriots and Atlanta Falcons exposed weaknesses on both sides of the ball and raised questions about roster depth ahead of the Nov. 4 trade deadline.

Coach Sean McDermott said the bye was useful for evaluation and recovery while tempering expectations for injured players returning from long absences. The team opened a 21-day practice window for rookie cornerback Maxwell Hairston on Wednesday, and Hairston said he was excited to be back at practice. McDermott cautioned, however, that the former first round pick will need time to ramp up before he can be trusted as an every-week contributor. Hairston could be available by Week 9 against the Kansas City Chiefs but is unlikely to play in Week 8.

Injury news also clouds Buffalo's short-term picture. Tight end Dalton Kincaid, the team leader in receiving yards, is listed as questionable with an oblique issue. Linebackers Matt Milano and Terrel Bernard were limited in practice and listed...