A fastener cartridge can comprise a cartridge body comprising a deck, fasteners removably stored within the cartridge body, and a layer covering the deck. The cartridge body can comprise a longitudinal slot which can be configured to receive a cutting member therein. The layer can comprise a first portion extending over the slot and a second portion located laterally with respect to the first portion and the slot. The first portion can comprise different properties than the second portion. For instance, the first portion can be thicker than the second portion. The first portion could also be stiffer than the second portion, for example. The first portion can rigidly support the tissue which is adjacent to a longitudinal cut extending through the tissue which is created by the cutting member. The second portion, positioned further away from the longitudinal cut in the tissue, can flexibly support such tissue.
