The Buffalo Bills have a growing injury list, with wide receiver Keon Coleman joining the group just days ahead of the team’s season opener against the Baltimore Ravens.
The second-year wide receiver was listed on Wednesday’s injury report, which noted he was limited with a groin injury. As SI.com’s Ralph Ventre point out, it appeared that Coleman suffered the injury at some point during the week.
“The fact that head coach Sean McDermott did not mention Coleman during his pre-practice comments suggests that the wide receiver may have tweaked something while practicing,” Ventre wrote. “The 2024 second-round draft pick holds a starting WR spot on the team’s Week 1 depth chart.”
The injury could put the Bills in a difficult spot if Coleman doesn’t improve ahead of Sunday night’s game, forcing the team to dip into their limited depth at the position.
Bills Could Turn to Emerging Wide Receiver
If Coleman’s status for Sunday’s game is in question, the Bills could turn to a fast-rising receiver to pick up some of the slack. Former practice squad receiver Tyrell Shavers earned a spot on the 53-man roster this season after some strong performances in training camp and preseason games, which could put him in line for an expanded role should Coleman miss time.
Coleman already missed a stretch of his rookie season after suffering a wrist injury. He still managed to finish the season as one of the team’s most productive receivers, making 29 receptions for 556 yards and four touchdowns.
The Bills face one of their biggest challenges in Sunday night’s season opener, facing a tough Ravens defense in a rematch of last year’s divisional-round playoff game.
The team is already dealing with some other key injuries, including first-round cornerback Maxwell Hairston who is starting the season on injured reserve with a knee injury. Veteran cornerback Tre’Davious White has also missed time with an injury and could be in danger of missing the Week 1 game.
Bills Could Get Another Key Receiver Back
While Coleman’s status remains uncertain, the Bills appear to be on track to get last year’s top receiver back on the field. Khalil Shakir had been nursing a sprained ankle since early August, but he returned to practice in full this week and is expected to take the field.
Shakir said he suffered a similar injury last season and was able to recover.
“Literally, the same exact thing happened last year, Baltimore, whatever week that was. Same exact thing and timeline was a lot faster. It just kind of depends,” Shakir said, via SI.com.
Bills general manager Brandon Beane was also confident that Shakir would be able to make up for lost time quickly, noting his strong connection with quarterback Josh Allen.
“I think Josh is very, very confident with Shakir. Let’s just start there,” Beane said. “I know he’s missed the most time. He’s working his way back now. And I think those two guys, you know, not long after he got here, there was just a natural feel.”
Shakir was the team’s top wide receiver in 2024, making 76 receptions for 821 yards and four touchdowns.
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