Bills Seventh-Round Pick Miss Rookie Season to Care for Mother Battling Cancer

Buffalo, NY – The Bills entered 2025 expecting their rookie class to push for depth roles, but life has a way of reshaping priorities. One late-round draft pick is now stepping away from football to stand by family.

The organization confirmed he will miss his rookie season after being placed on injured reserve. Officially it stemmed from a hamstring setback in preseason, but privately, the choice runs much deeper than injuries.

Kaden Prather, Buffalo’s seventh-round pick out of Maryland, was waived/injured on August 19 following a re-aggravated hamstring against Chicago. He reverted to injured reserve a week later, ending his first campaign before it began.

"Football has always been my dream, but family is my life. Right now, my mom needs me more than the Bills do — and I’m grateful this organization understands and gives me the chance to be there for her," Prather said in an emotional statement.

At 6’4” with contested-catch ability, Prather was seen as a developmental outside receiver. He showed flashes at Maryland with over 1,100 yards in three seasons, but could not carve a preseason role in Buffalo’s crowded WR room.

Despite going catchless in exhibition play, his potential and size made him a name to watch for future development. That journey is now on pause, but his decision has earned admiration across Bills Mafia.

Head coach Sean McDermott and teammates praised his maturity, noting that the Bills’ culture values people before players. The locker room rallied behind him, reinforcing Buffalo’s reputation as a family-driven franchise.

Prather’s rookie season will not be about touchdowns or stats. Instead, it will be remembered for sacrifice and love — proof that sometimes the most courageous plays happen far from the field.