The Buffalo Bills are facing a potential crisis in their secondary as star cornerback Tre’Davious White battles a groin injury that has left his availability for the Week 1 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens in serious doubt. With White missing practice for the second consecutive day on Thursday, September 4, 2025, defensive coordinator Bobby Babich has revealed a bold contingency plan that has raised eyebrows across the NFL. The candidates to replace the All-Pro defender? Rookie Dorian Strong and unheralded fourth-year pro Ja’Marcus Ingram—names that few would have predicted to step into such a critical role.
Dorian Strong: The Rookie Ready to Shine
Rookie cornerback Dorian Strong has emerged as a surprising contender to fill White’s shoes. According to Babich, Strong’s development over the past two weeks has been nothing short of extraordinary. “Dorian, the improvement over the last two weeks has been unbelievable,” Babich said during Thursday’s press conference. The first-year player out of St. John Fisher has shown remarkable progress since the early days of training camp, where he grappled with the typical rookie jitters.
“It’s a confidence thing,” Babich explained. “When you first get in the league, you’re trying to fit in and see how you fit in. You’re trying to learn a new scheme, you’re trying to learn all of these things.” Strong’s dedication to mastering the Bills’ defensive system and refining his fundamentals has paid off. Babich noted that while Strong’s raw talent was evident from the start, his attention to detail and grasp of the team’s defensive principles have transformed him into a player ready to take on a starting role if needed. “A lot of aspects of his game have improved,” Babich added. “The talent was there. It was a little bit, if you wanna say, unstructured. But the attention to detail. Some of the fundamentals that we use, he has come a long way.”
Strong’s potential role as an outside cornerback makes him a natural fit to replace White, whose absence would leave a significant void in Buffalo’s secondary. With the Ravens’ passing attack looming, Strong’s rapid ascent could be a game-changer for the Bills.
Ja’Marcus Ingram: The Under-the-Radar Gem
While Strong’s rise is impressive, the real shock comes with Ja’Marcus Ingram, a fourth-year player who has quietly become a valuable asset for the Bills. Babich described Ingram as an under-the-radar talent who consistently surprises with his performance. “He kind of just lays in the weeds, and then you’re like, ‘dang dude, that guy had a good practice,’” Babich said. “He does the little things right, and he’s competitive. And it’s cool to see his growth.”
Ja’Marcus Ingram
Ingram’s versatility in the secondary has been a key factor in his rise. Last season, he appeared in all 17 regular-season games plus the playoffs, showcasing his ability to adapt to various roles in Buffalo’s defense. Unlike Strong, who is primarily an outside cornerback, Ingram’s flexibility allows him to play multiple positions, making him a critical piece of Babich’s plan to compensate for White’s potential absence. His knack for quietly excelling in practice and games has earned him the trust of the coaching staff, positioning him as a legitimate option to start against Baltimore.
A Potential Rotation and a Vote of Confidence
With White’s status uncertain, the Bills are preparing for multiple scenarios. One possibility is a rotation involving both Strong and Ingram opposite Christian Benford, who returned to full participation in practice on Thursday after dealing with his own groin injury. Benford’s recovery provides some stability, but the potential loss of White—a cornerstone of Buffalo’s defense—requires a next-man-up mentality. Babich’s confidence in both Strong and Ingram suggests that the Bills are well-equipped to handle this challenge.
The idea of a rotation isn’t new for Buffalo. Early in his career, Benford shared snaps with former first-round pick Kaiir Elam, and a similar approach could be employed this Sunday. Whether it’s Strong’s raw talent or Ingram’s understated reliability, the Bills believe they have two players capable of stepping up against a formidable Ravens offense.
A Bold Strategy for a High-Stakes Opener
As the Bills prepare for their season opener, Babich’s plan to replace Tre’Davious White with either a rookie or an unsung veteran is a testament to the team’s depth and coaching ingenuity. While Strong’s rapid development and Ingram’s quiet consistency may not carry the same star power as White, Babich’s faith in their abilities signals a bold strategy for a high-stakes game. Bills fans may be shocked to see an “unthinkable name” like Strong or Ingram lining up in White’s place, but if Thursday’s press conference is any indication, Buffalo’s defensive coordinator has a plan—and he’s ready to execute it.