A.J. Epenesa EDR/DE CLE (9) Wed 3/18/26 9:12 PM
A.J. Epenesa
EDR/DE CLE (9)
The Browns signed Epenesa to a one-year deal Wednesday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
EDGE Analysis
Epenesa is headed to Cleveland after spending the first six seasons of his career with the Bills. The 27-year-old will likely serve as one of the Browns' top rotational defensive ends behind Myles Garrett and Alex Wright during the 2026 campaign.
A.J. Epenesa EDR/DE CLE (9) Tue 2/3/26 1:51 PM
A.J. Epenesa
EDR/DE CLE (9)
Epenesa tallied 32 total tackles (17 solo), including 2.5 sacks, and four passes defensed, including two interceptions, over 16 regular-season games in 2025.
EDGE Analysis
The Iowa product saw declines in several statistical categories compared to last season, recording fewer total tackles (39 to 32), sacks (6.0 to 2.5) and forced fumbles (two to zero) while playing significantly less defensive snaps (583 to 434). Despite the reduced workload, he remained an effective rotational edge defender and tied his career high in interceptions. Set to hit unrestricted free agency this offseason, Epenesa will likely explore other opportunities after his role dimished in 2025. He could draw interest from teams in need of a starting-caliber edge rusher ahead of the 2026 season.
A.J. Epenesa EDR/DE CLE (9) Thu 1/15/26 2:44 PM
A.J. Epenesa
EDR/DE CLE (9)
Epenesa (neck) has no injury designation ahead of Saturday's divisional-round matchup against the Broncos.
EDGE Analysis
The 27-year-old from Iowa practiced in a limited fashion throughout the week, but it now appears he's moved past his neck injury in time to play Saturday. Epenesa operated as one of Buffalo's top defensive ends during the regular season, recording 32 total tackles, including 2.5 sacks, and four passes defensed, with two interceptions, over 16 appearances. Back at full health, he's expected to play behind Joey Bosa and Greg Rousseau during the divisional-matchup in Denver.
A.J. Epenesa EDR/DE CLE (9) Wed 1/14/26 3:43 PM
A.J. Epenesa
EDR/DE CLE (9)
Epenesa (neck) was a limited participant in practice Wednesday.
EDGE Analysis
Epenesa has been a limited participant in practice both Tuesday and Wednesday. The 27-year-old played his usual snap count (23) in the Bills' wild-card round matchup against the Jaguars, so it's unclear when his injury occurred. The six-year pro's status heading into the AFC divisional round will likely depend on his participation in practice Thursday.
A.J. Epenesa EDR/DE CLE (9) Fri 1/2/26 3:42 PM
A.J. Epenesa
EDR/DE CLE (9)
Epenesa (illness) was a full participant in Friday's practice and does not carry an injury designation for Sunday's regular-season finale against the Jets.
EDGE Analysis
Epenesa popped up as a non-participant on Thursday's injury report due to an illness, but he appears to have already recovered from his ailment. A rotational defensive end, Epenesa could stand to handle an increased workload versus New York if Joey Bosa (hamstring), who is officially listed as questionable, doesn't play in Week 18.
A.J. Epenesa EDR/DE CLE (9) Thu 1/1/26 3:16 PM
A.J. Epenesa
EDR/DE CLE (9)
Epenesa (illness) did not practice Thursday.
EDGE Analysis
Epenesa popped up on Thursday's injury report due to an illness and wasn't able to practice. His practice participation during Friday's session should shed light on his chances of playing in Sunday's regular-season finale against the Jets. He's worked in a rotational role at defensive end this season, so Javon Solomon would absorb more snaps on defense in the event that Epenesa doesn't play Week 18.
A.J. Epenesa EDR/DE CLE (9) Fri 12/5/25 3:20 PM
A.J. Epenesa
EDR/DE CLE (9)
Epenesa (foot) has no injury designation ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Bengals.
EDGE Analysis
Head coach Sean McDermott told reporters Friday that Epenesa "should be fine" after he missed Thursday's practice due to a foot injury. Now fully healthy, Epenesa is likely to play an expanded role on the Bills' defensive line in Week 14, as Joey Bosa (hamstring) is in line to miss his first game of the season.
A.J. Epenesa EDR/DE CLE (9) Thu 12/4/25 5:12 PM
A.J. Epenesa
EDR/DE CLE (9)
Epenesa (foot) did not practice Thursday, Alaina Getzenberg of ESPN.com reports.
EDGE Analysis
Epenesa was a new addition to Thursday's injury report with a foot injury he likely suffered during Wednesday's session. With the potential absence of Joey Bosa (hamstring) looming as well, Epenesa's absence will mean a significant depth issue at defensive end for the Bills. If neither player can suit up Sunday, Javon Solomon will be the lone option opposite Greg Rousseau on the edge. With such a depleted room, practice squad members Shaq Lawson, Andre Jones, and Morgan Fox are candidates for Week 14 elevation.
A.J. Epenesa EDR/DE CLE (9) Fri 11/14/25 3:43 PM
A.J. Epenesa
EDR/DE CLE (9)
Epenesa (concussion) has no injury designation ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Buccaneers.
EDGE Analysis
Epenesa managed to practice in full the entire week and has been cleansed of injury designation, indicating he was able to clear the league's concussion protocol and is ready to play in Sunday's contest. Before missing the Week 10 loss to the Dolphins, the 27-year-old participated in eight games this season, where he accumulated 15 tackles (10 solo), including 2.5 sacks, two passes defensed, one interception and one fumble recovery. With Epenesa's return, defensive end Javon Solomon will likely see diminished snaps as a rotational end.
A.J. Epenesa EDR/DE CLE (9) Wed 11/12/25 7:40 PM
A.J. Epenesa
EDR/DE CLE (9)
Epenesa (concussion) logged a full practice Wednesday, Alaina Getzenberg of ESPN.com reports.
EDGE Analysis
Epenesa missed Buffalo's Week 10 loss to Miami with a concussion. While it's encouraging that he returned to practice, it remains unclear whether he has cleared the league's concussion protocol. Epenesa will need to take that final step before being cleared for a Week 11 matchup against Tampa Bay.