Khalil Shakir Injury Update: Will Buffalo’s Key WR Suit Up Week 1?
Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir, who was Josh Allen’s leading target last season, is working back from a high-ankle sprain suffered during the team’s “Blue & Red” practice in early August.
The injury came in a routine drill, where Shakir landed awkwardly and had to leave with trainers. If you were at camp—or have ever followed the grind of August football in Buffalo—it’s the kind of moment that draws uneasy looks.
Unlike some sprains, this one was serious enough for the team to immediately rule him out week-to-week, which, as any fan knows, is football speak for “maybe the opener, maybe not.”
Dom Tibbetts (@DomTibbettsTV) shared some positive news regarding Khalil Shakir's recovery. The wide receiver was spotted working off to the side with trainers, and notably, he is no longer wearing a boot on his injured ankle. This marks an encouraging step in his recovery process.
Since then, Shakir’s been kept off team drills, but there are some encouraging signs. He was spotted at recent practices without a walking boot—always a good sign for ankle injuries—and working with trainers on the sideline, focusing on mobility and simple route trees.
Head coach Sean McDermott told the media last week he’s “being told Shakir should be ready Week 1.” That’s not a guarantee, but it’s the most positive language the Bills have used so far.
For the Bills, Shakir’s absence is notable—they’re bringing in rookie Keon Coleman and recent signings Curtis Samuel and Joshua Palmer to fill snaps if he can’t go, with Samuel likely getting slot work if Shakir is held out against Baltimore.
Roster projections show Shakir as a firm lock for the opening week unless there’s a setback over the next two weeks. Fantasy managers, as always, are left reading between the lines.
High-ankle sprains have a well-earned reputation in the NFL: even after clearance, WRs tend to start slow—cutting, acceleration, and lateral movement take time to return. If you’re in full-PPR, Shakir has enough rapport with Allen to be a safe floor play, but expectations should be managed in September.
The Bills have shifted away from a clear WR1 order and towards a committee—meaning more targets for Coleman, Palmer, and tight end Dalton Kincaid. If Shakir’s a go for Week 1, he’s likely to get his usual slot snaps, but don’t expect full explosiveness out of the gate.
For context, Shakir led Buffalo with 76 catches and 821 yards last season, picking up four touchdowns and a four-year, $53M contract extension this spring. The front office clearly sees him as a core piece, and barring any setbacks, he should be active for the opener and a reliable option in Allen’s offense.
