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Bills Star’s 2-Year-Old Son Dies In Reported Drowning In Late June

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This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.

Buffalo Bills helmet.
Buffalo Bills helmet. Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Ed Oliver has missed recent practices. Social media accounts link the absences to a personal tragedy. Reports claim his two-year-old son died in a late June drowning. The accounts place the incident at Oliver’s Huffman, Texas home.

Family members were reportedly present during the event. Shared footage appears to show Ed Oliver speaking with officers afterward. Property records list him as the homeowner at that address. Head coach Joe Brady previously called the absences injury-related.

No major outlet has confirmed the drowning claim. The Bills have issued no public statement on any family matter. Official injury reporting remains limited until the regular season starts.

Ed Oliver Absence Stems From Reported Personal Loss

Buffalo Bills logo on field
Buffalo Bills logo (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)

Oliver skipped joint practices and open sessions this week. The Bills listed him among several players held out. Brady offered few details on specific issues. He noted that full injury reports arrive later.

Social media reports painted a different picture. They say Oliver stayed away while recovering from the loss. As expected, such claims are taken with a pinch of salt by fans, especially given how sensitive this topic is.

Ed Oliver remains a key piece on the defensive line. New coordinator Jim Leonhard wants him to play a disruptive role. The team still expects production when he returns fully available.

Ed Oliver Situation Leaves Bills Defense Short-Handed

Dec 29, 2024; Orchard Park, New York, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson (5) tries to avoid Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Ed Oliver (91) after making a catch in the third quarter at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

The interior defensive line already faces limited depth. Ed Oliver’s continued absence makes the problem worse. Other players have also sat out recent sessions for various reasons. Coaches manage workloads carefully during the preseason.

Oliver entered the offseason focused on a strong bounce-back year. Limited action in 2025 left him hungry for more snaps. The team activated him late last season, but further setbacks followed. Questions now surround both physical readiness and personal recovery.

Full details remain scarce. It remains to be seen if more reports confirm this story. The Oliver family deserves privacy during any hardship. Fans keep sending support as Ed Oliver and the team move forward.

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