Buffalo Bills express condolences after death of Ed Oliver's two-year-old son

The Buffalo Bills expressed condolences after the death of defensive tackle Ed Oliver's two-year-old son, who was found unresponsive in a residential pool outside Houston on 28 June, and general manager Brandon Beane addressed the matter before the team's preseason game in Cleveland on Saturday. "It’s an unthinkable tragedy for any parent. We will continue to support Ed and his family as we grieve this tragic loss," Beane said.

Oliver has asked for privacy and prayers while mourning his son, Ed Jr. The toddler was pronounced dead after being found unresponsive in a residential pool outside Houston on 28 June. The Harris County Sheriff’s Department posted on its Facebook account that evening regarding the drowning of a toddler in a neighborhood community north of Houston, saying: "This is a tragic incident and our thoughts are with the toddler’s family during this incredibly difficult time. The investigation is ongoing," and noting it provided no details including names or ages.

The 28-year-old Oliver is entering his eighth season in Buffalo and was selected by the Bills in the first round of the 2019 draft out of Houston. He reported for training camp on time last month and, according to team reports, had been practicing with the squad since June. Oliver appeared with the starters in the Bills’ preseason-opening 29-14 win over Carolina last weekend.

He has not practiced this week because of an undisclosed injury. The team has issued public statements offering support to Oliver and his family amid the ongoing investigation.

The injury-related absence is the latest official update from the Bills; the club and local authorities have both made public comments while the investigation continues.