BREAKING NEWS: Two Key Wide Receivers Could Be Sidelined (IR) Before the Bills’ Clash with the Dolphins

Shockwaves hit Buffalo just days before their divisional showdown against the Miami Dolphins. Reports suggest that Khalil Shakir and rookie Keon Coleman may both be placed on the injured reserve (IR) list due to lingering injuries. The news has left head coach Sean McDermott scrambling to adjust his offensive game plan in the final hours leading up to the Week 10 battle.

Buffalo’s Offense Faces a Major Setback

The Buffalo Bills’ passing game, led by Josh Allen, has been one of the most explosive in the AFC this season. But just as the team prepared for their critical matchup against the Miami Dolphins, dark clouds have formed over Orchard Park.

According to multiple team insiders, wide receivers Khalil Shakir and Keon Coleman could both miss the game or be placed on short-term IR, following practice injuries earlier this week.

Shakir reportedly aggravated a hamstring issue, while Coleman is dealing with a minor ankle sprain that has limited his mobility. Though neither injury is considered season-ending, both situations are serious enough to cause last-minute concern for Buffalo’s offensive staff.

McDermott’s Sleepless Adjustments

Head coach Sean McDermott has reportedly been working overtime with offensive coordinator Joe Brady to reconfigure the passing scheme if both receivers are unavailable.

Shakir has become one of Allen’s most trusted slot targets in recent weeks, while rookie Keon Coleman has added a red-zone spark with his physicality and jump-ball ability. Losing both could drastically alter how the Bills attack Miami’s secondary.

“We’ll evaluate things day by day,” McDermott told reporters on Friday.
“It’s about finding balance and putting players in position to succeed, no matter who’s on the field.”

Analysts expect Trent Sherfield and Andy Isabella to see more snaps if Shakir and Coleman can’t go. Meanwhile, tight ends Dalton Kincaid and Dawson Knox may be asked to shoulder a heavier receiving load.

What It Means for the Bills’ Strategy

With fewer deep-threat options, the Bills could pivot toward a run-first approach, leaning more on James Cook and Josh Allen’s mobility to keep the offense moving.
Expect more designed rollouts and play-action setups to slow down Miami’s aggressive defensive front.

Buffalo might also use screen passes and short routes to exploit Miami’s tendency to blitz early — a tactical shift that could define how competitive the Bills remain without their top targets.

A Crucial 24 Hours Ahead

As kickoff approaches, McDermott’s staff will closely monitor both receivers’ progress during final walkthroughs.
If either player is cleared at the last minute, it could drastically reshape the game plan.

Still, the uncertainty has already forced the Bills to adapt — and fans are holding their breath for an official injury update before Sunday morning.

Game Time: Sunday, November 9, 2025 – 1:00 PM ET
Venue: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens
Broadcast: CBS, Paramount+