The Buffalo Bills closed training camp and the preseason without a major injury scare, yet several players remain limited as the regular season draws near.
Wide receiver Khalil Shakir, Josh Allen’s leading target the past two years, was among those sitting out Wednesday’s practice.
Shakir has dealt with an undisclosed issue that has kept him off the field during recent sessions. The team has not publicly identified the injury or confirmed whether Shakir will be ready for the season opener against the Houston Texans.
Six Bills players missed practice Wednesday, according to reporting from The Athletic’s Joe Buscaglia. The list included Shakir, running back Ty Johnson, tackle Jude Bowry, linebacker Javon Solomon and defensive backs Jordan Hancock and Jalon Kilgore.
CBS Sports reporter Matt Zenitz reported optimism that Shakir could still play in Week 1.
“Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir has missed practice time recently with an undisclosed injury but there’s currently optimism he’ll end up being available for Buffalo’s opener vs. the Texans , sources tell @CBSSports,” Zenitz shared.
“The Bills are being cautious with him.”
Shakir led Buffalo in receiving the last two seasons, posting 76 receptions for 821 yards and four touchdowns in 2024 before following with 72 catches for 719 yards in 2025.
Buffalo relied heavily on Shakir after trading Stefon Diggs in 2024 and spreading the ball around in an “everybody eats” passing attack.
This offseason the Bills added another proven target, acquiring receiver DJ Moore from the Chicago Bears. Moore has been working to build chemistry with Allen both on and off the field.
“Yeah, I think our off-field chemistry and friendship has accelerated the on-field connection,” Moore said. “We talk almost every other play about something dealing with a route.”
Moore described two sides of the Bills quarterback.
“You having fun with Josh, but when you step on the field, he’s a whole different animal and you got to lock in yourself because you know he wants to win, and win bad,” he explained. “In my gut, that’s what I’m willing to do. Go out there and win every rep for him and the rest of the receivers are going to do the same thing.”
The presence of Moore gives Buffalo extra depth if Shakir’s availability remains in question heading into the opener.
Bills coaches have emphasized caution with veteran skill players at this stage of the calendar, preferring to have them healthy for September rather than risk setbacks in the final days of preparation.
Shakir’s absence from Wednesday’s session was the latest reminder that even a relatively clean camp can leave lingering questions.
Buffalo opens the season against Houston and will continue to monitor Shakir’s status in the coming days.
Allen has shown he can distribute the ball to multiple receivers, but Shakir’s reliability as a chain-mover has been a consistent part of the offense. If the veteran receiver is limited or unavailable, Moore and the rest of the group will be asked to step forward immediately.
Team officials have not issued a formal injury designation for Shakir beyond the practice report.
The coming practices will offer a clearer picture of whether the Bills can count on their top returning wideout when the games start counting.
