The Buffalo Bills brought in some veteran help for their wide receiving corps this season, doubling down on last season’s successful “everybody eats” approach by adding some proven pass-catchers.
But one new addition might not find a place at the table.
Veteran receiver and return specialist Laviskha Shenault Jr. was one of the biggest additions to the wide receiver room, but has been surpassed by a former practice squad player and could be at risk of missing the final roster entirely.
Lavishka Shenault Has Weeks Left to Prove Himself
SI.com’s Randy Gurzi put Shenault on top of the list of players who need to prove themselves in the preseason. Gurzi noted that Shenault will likely be competing for the final spot on the depth chart, with the five above him set in stone and several talented receivers competing with him for a spot.
“Buffalo might not have anyone who has proven to be a WR1, but they have a deep receiving corps nonetheless,” Gurzi wrote. “With Keon Coleman, Khalil Shakir, Joshua Palmer, Curtis Samuel, and Elijah Moore on the roster, it feels as though the first five spots are set. The Bills could decide to keep six receivers, with Laviska Shenault as one of the candidates to earn that spot.”
Gurzi added that Shenault may need to prove himself in another phase of the game in order to stand out.
“For Shenault, the key to making the roster will be his work on special teams,” Gurzi wrote. “While it would help his case to prove he can contribute on offense, his skill as a return man is what sets him apart. He needs to prove that he’s their best option in this role, which he can begin doing this weekend.”
Shenault did have some experience as a return specialist with the Seattle Seahawks last season, returning 16 kicks for a 28.7-yard average with one return touchdown.
Lavishka Shenault Falls Below Practice Squad Phenom
The Bills released the first official depth chart this week, just days before the preseason kicks off against the New York Giants on Saturday. The chart revealed that Shenault is behind Tyrell Shavers, who spent most of last season on the practice squad before a breakout play in the team’s home finale.
Facing the New York Jets in a Week 17 game and leading 33-0, the Bills pulled quarterback Josh Allen and backup Mitch Trubisky found Shavers on a middle screen. On the first catch of his career — and the first target, no less — Shavers took the pass and sliced through the defense, running 69 yards for a touchdown.
Shavers missed some time at training camp after suffering a leg injury, but has since returned. He could have a bigger opportunity to shine in the team’s three preseason games after top receiver Khalil Shakir suffered an ankle injury that is expected to keep him out for a few weeks.
Though Shakir is expected to return for the season opener and his injury will not open up another roster spot, Shavers could have the chance for more targets in the preseason games.
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