Overview
- Coach Sean McDermott announced on August 3 that Shakir will be sidelined week-to-week after sustaining the high ankle sprain during the Bills’ August 1 Red & Blue scrimmage at Highmark Stadium.
- CBS Sports sources project the 25-year-old slot receiver will miss four to five weeks, potentially encompassing most of the preseason and early regular-season preparations ahead of Week 1.
- Shakir led Buffalo last season with 76 catches, 821 yards and 100 targets before earning a four-year contract extension in February 2025.
- The Bills’ receiving corps has already suffered hamstring and groin injuries to Curtis Samuel, Kaden Prather and Joshua Palmer, leaving opportunities for Elijah Moore, Keon Coleman and other backups to step into the slot.
- Buffalo plans to lean on veteran depth and may deploy two-tight-end packages to maintain offensive continuity for MVP Josh Allen until Shakir’s return.