In hindsight, it is easy to forget that the Buffalo Bills weren’t expected to have a successful 2024 season. As they reconstructed their roster, last year was supposed to be a bit of a reset, with oddsmakers ranking them third within their division. However, thanks to an MVP performance from Josh Allen, Buffalo won the AFC East and went to the limit against the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game.
But, throughout the season, two major issues emerged as drawbacks for the team to address in the offseason. The first was their defense, which finished in the league’s bottom half on PFSN’s Defense+ metric. The other was their overreliance on the run game, leading to a predictable offense.
This year, the focus might have been to add more versatility to the unit. However, they might have to make that change without one of their premier wide receivers, Khalil Shakir, to begin the year.
Buffalo Bills Might Continue Reliance on the Run Without Khalil Shakir
Last year, the Bills had a top-five offense on PFSN’s Offense+ metric. However, rather than Josh Allen’s raw arm talent, the scheme was far more conservative to reduce turnovers.
As a result, Allen’s ability as a runner, alongside an explosion from James Cook, became the backbone of the Buffalo attack. No wide receiver on the team crossed 850 receiving yards, with Shakir leading the pack with 821 yards and four touchdowns.
A fifth-round pick in 2022, the talented wide receiver had quickly established himself as a valuable member of the Bills’ offensive unit. His continued rise, from a rookie year where he totaled just 161 yards, was something the organization was banking on to give them an offensive boost.
Alongside other standouts like Keon Coleman, Buffalo’s potential to become a more diverse offense was entirely on the cards. However, the team suffered a major setback before the 2025 season could get underway.
Underdog reported that a high ankle sprain would make him a question mark from week to week. However, CBS Sports reporter Matt Zenitz gave the official verdict. Posting on X, he revealed Shakir’s timeline.
Bills standout wide receiver Khalil Shakir, who sustained a high ankle sprain on Friday, is currently expected to miss 4-5 weeks, sources tell @CBSSports.
Shakir led Buffalo last season with 821 receiving yards. The Bills open the regular season Sept. 7 vs. the Ravens. pic.twitter.com/MdS6nG4FOn
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) August 3, 2025
With their season set to begin on September 7, 2025, against the Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo may not miss him for any regular-season games.
However, if the timeline stands true, he might miss valuable reps during training camp and the preseason.
