Justin Shorter
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Justin Shorter runs after making a catch in a Buffalo Bills preseason game.
Wide receiver Justin Shorter had a hard time finding his place with the Buffalo Bills, but he’s getting a second chance to land a spot with the Las Vegas Raiders.
The Raiders announced earlier this week that Shorter had been waived to make room for the addition of veteran receiver Tyler Lockett, but it didn’t take long for Las Vegas to find room for Shorter’s return. The 25-year-old is still working to reach the promise he showed coming out of college, still waiting for his first NFL reception despite appearing in 17 total games.
Justin Shorter’s Return to Las Vegas
Shorter had a short and disappointing tenure with the Bills, joining the team as a fifth-round draft pick in 2023 but missing the entire season after being placed on injured reserve in August. The receiver returned the next offseason but missed final cuts again, ultimately signing with the Raiders.
The team brought Shorter back to the practice squad on Tuesday, but he is still waiting to find a place in the offense. He played almost exclusively on special teams, appearing in just 25 total offensive snaps in 2024 and just five snaps on offense through seven games this year.
The Bills seemed to have similar plans for Shorter, with general manager Brandon Beane praising his special teams play during the 2023 offseason.
“We really liked him,” Beane said at the start of the team’s rookie minicamp that year. “We brought him in for the 30 visit, really felt like this was our kind of DNA being around him a little bit more. And that he acknowledged that there’s more in his game, and so hopefully working with (wide receivers) coach (Adam) Henry and (offensive coordinator Ken) Dorsey and all those guys that we can grow him.”
Shorter could have an opportunity ahead, with many analysts predicting the Raiders will shop veteran receiver Jakobi Meyers at the upcoming trade deadline. That could create an opening for Shorter to prove the potential that the Bills saw when drafting him two years ago.
Bills Struggling to Find Wide Receiver Production
The Bills have hit a rough patch with their wide receiver group this season, especially in the team’s two-game losing streak. Though the “everybody eats” approach heralded by offensive coordinator Joe Brady succeeded in creating one of the league’s top offenses last year, the group has struggled in getting separation this year and caused quarterback Josh Allen to face significnat pressure.
The Bills could have some help on the way. They announced this week that veteran receiver Gabe Davis returned from injury to join the practice squad.
SI.com reporter Alex Brasky suggested the Bills could return the trusted Davis into a significant role on offense despite his past struggles with drops and separation.
“Coming off the meniscus tear that ended his 2024 campaign, Davis has something to prove as he attempts to make a comeback,” Brasky wrote. “He totaled just 20 receptions for 239 yards and two touchdowns with the Jaguars last season and will be eager to prove he has something left in the tank.”