After a tryout on Monday, the Buffalo Bills signed WR Deon Cain to a one year deal as part of several corresponding moves that led to QB Shane Buechele, WR Chase Claypool, and WR Bryan Thompson being placed on injured reserve.
Cain comes to the Bills after several stops around the NFL, USFL, and UFL. He has shown the ability that he belongs in the NFL but injuries have altered his career trajectory at times.
Below is Deon Cain’s publicly reported injury history and analysis.
Injury History
2018 Indianapolis Colts
Left ACL tear, first preseason game, missed entire season.
In his first NFL action, Cain tore his left ACL forcing him to miss the rest of the season after undergoing reconstructive surgery.
2019 Colts/Pittsburgh Steelers
No publicly reported injuries.
2020 Steelers
No publicly reported injuries.
2021 Baltimore Ravens
Concussion, third preseason game, injury settlement.
Cain suffered a concussion in the final preseason game which forced him to injured reserve until the team came to an injury settlement, releasing him.
2022 Philadelphia Eagles
No publicly reported injuries.
2023 Birmingham Stallions/Eagles/Stallions
Illness, missed 1 game.
Cain missed the game against Houston due to illness while with the Birmingham Stallions.
Ankle, preseason.
Cain suffered an ankle injury in early August, while he was with the Eagles forcing him to sit out for a little over two weeks before returning.
Injury Analysis
Cain’s injury history is likely incomplete with the USFL and UFL data but the only notable injury was the ACL tear that likely led to him bouncing around. His concussion and ankle injuries are one off issues and of little concern.
The ACL injury had the benefit of taking over a year to fully return due to the timing of the injury in the preseason. Considering that it was six years ago, I have next to zero concern for complications with from it as he has not appeared on the injury report due to subsequent knee issues. It’s also worth highlighting that he does not have any soft tissue injuries that can be seen following ACL tears due to strength deficits.
Cain’s biggest issue will be getting up to speed this late in training camp. He may be more of a camp body but if he can learn fast, then he could find a home on the practice squad during roster cut downs. However, if he has any acclimation injuries, he may be out as quickly as he came in.
I wish Deon Cain the best of luck this season and to remain healthy.
Top Photo Credit: NBC Sports
