Khalil Shakir
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Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir takes the field before the AFC Wild Card Playoff game at Highmark Stadium on January 12, 2025.
The Buffalo Bills are looking to bounce back from a stunning loss to the Miami Dolphins and try to climb back into the race for the AFC East, and might need to do it with an ailing wide receiver.
The team announced on Wednesday that top pass-catcher Khalil Shakir was limited at the first practice of the week with a rib injury. Head coach Sean McDermott revealed that Shakir was hurt during the loss to the Dolphins, which dropped the Bills two full games behind the New England Patriots for supremacy in the division.
Khalil Shakir Playing Hurt
Shakir was able to finish Sunday’s game against the Dolphins, making seven receptions for 58 yards and returning one punt for seven yards. Shakir has been the top target for quarterback Josh Allen since the departure of Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis prior to the 2024 season, leading the team this year with 45 receptions for 457 yards.
As SI.com’s Alex Brasky noted, the injury could be a setback even if it doesn’t keep Shakir off the field for Sunday’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
“Without knowing the significance of the injury, an ailing rib is a concern for a wide receiver with a play style similar to Shakir’s,” Brasky wrote. “The slot receiver is used heavily in the screen game, which causes him to be swarmed by defenders much like a running back. His use in the return game is also something that may need to be adjusted if he continues to feel lingering effects from his injury throughout the week.”
The Bills have been hit hard by injuries, though most of the pain has been focused on the defensive side of the ball. The Bills lost several starters to long-term injuries, placing safety Taylor Rapp, defensive tackle Ed Oliver, and edge rusher Michael Hoecht on injured reserve.
Bills Add Help at Wide Receiver
The Bills have struggled to get consistent production from their wide receiving corps this season, with the group often failing to get separation from defenders and leaving Allen under increased pressure.
The team brought in some help this week, signing former Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman to their practice squad. The 27-year-old is a three-time Super Bowl champion and told reporters this week that it feels a bit odd to join a former rival.
“It’s kind of weird a little bit, going against these guys for the last six years,” Hardman said, via Buffalo’s WGZR.
Hardman added that he was excited to make a difference in Buffalo and get another chance in the NFL after waiting for a call throughout the first half of the season.
“I’m excited for the opportunity,” Hardman said. “I’m glad to be here and they welcomed me with open arms, so I’m happy about that. They’re definitely joking with me about the past matches that we had in the years, but it’s fun. I’m enjoying it … I’m happy that they called and gave me a chance and opportunity, so I’m grateful for that.”