A layer such as, for example, a tissue thickness compensator for an end effector of a surgical instrument can comprise compressible and non-compressible portions. The tissue thickness compensator can be positioned in the end effector such as adjacent to a deck surface of a fastener cartridge that is positioned in the end effector. The tissue thickness compensator can be maintained in a compressed state and can be released from the compressed state by a cutting member of the end effector.
