Josh Allen probably didn't expect his wide receiver room to look like a MASH unit heading into the Divisional Round. But here we are. It’s January 2026, and the Buffalo Bills are preparing to face the Denver Broncos with a roster that feels more like a "who’s who" of guys you might have forgotten were on the team three months ago. Honestly, the situation is kind of dire.
If you’ve been following the news over the last 48 hours, you know the vibe in Orchard Park is tense. The Bills just scrapped their way past the Jaguars in a 27-24 Wild Card thriller, but the bill for that victory was steep. Two major players down. Just like that.
The Injury Carnage Nobody Saw Coming
Look, losing one starter is bad. Losing two to the exact same injury in the same game? That’s basically a curse. Both Gabe Davis and Tyrell Shavers suffered torn ACLs against Jacksonville. Davis, who had just started to find his rhythm again after bouncing between the practice squad and the active roster, went down after a hit by three different defenders. It was one of those plays where you just knew.
But the Shavers story? That’s actually insane. The guy tore his ACL in the second quarter and just... kept playing. He logged 22 snaps in the second half on a shredded knee. He even helped set up the winning touchdown with a block on a 10-yard tush push. It’s the kind of grit Bills fans love, but now he’s on IR, and the depth chart is looking real thin.
Who Is Actually Left?
Right now, the Buffalo Bills wide receivers active list is a short read. You basically have three "healthy" guys on the primary roster:
- Khalil Shakir: He’s the undisputed No. 1 now. Shakir caught 72 passes for 719 yards in the regular season. In the Wild Card game, he was targeted 12 times and caught every single one. That’s elite reliability when everything else is falling apart.
- Keon Coleman: The second-year man from Florida State. He’s had a weird year—flashes of dominance followed by disciplinary scratches and a "healthy scratch" status for a few weeks. But with the injuries, the Bills need that 6-foot-4 frame more than ever.
- Brandin Cooks: A late-season addition. Cooks was signed in late November after being released by the Saints. He’s only played a handful of games for Buffalo, but he had a massive 36-yard catch against the Jags that proved he still has some gas in the tank.
Why the Buffalo Bills Wide Receivers Strategy Shifted
Earlier in the 2025 season, the offense felt balanced. Joshua Palmer was supposed to be a cornerstone after signing a nearly $12 million deal, but a Grade 2 ankle sprain has him on the shelf too. It feels like Brandon Beane’s plan for a "low-cost, high-production" room is being tested to its absolute limit.
Joe Brady, the Offensive Coordinator, is basically playing a game of Tetris with his formations now. You’ve got Curtis Samuel trying to return from an elbow injury. He was activated from IR just this Friday, but how much can he really give? He’s only appeared in six games all year.
"It's about the next man up, but at some point, you run out of men." — That's the sentiment floating around local radio, and it's hard to argue with.
The Practice Squad Call-Ups
Since they only have three fully healthy receivers, the Bills have been forced to raid their own practice squad. Mecole Hardman Jr. was elevated for the Denver game. We know what Hardman brings: speed and special teams value. He had a 61-yard return earlier this year, and they might need him to take a jet sweep or two just to keep the Broncos' defense honest.
Then there’s Kristian Wilkerson and Stephen Gosnell. These aren't names that strike fear into defensive coordinators, but they are the bodies available. Expect to see a lot of "heavy" personnel. That means more Dalton Kincaid and Dawson Knox on the field together. If the wideouts can't win 1-on-1, Josh Allen is going to have to lean on his tight ends even more than usual.
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What to Expect Against Denver
The Broncos' defense isn't a joke, especially at home in the altitude. They’ve had a week to rest while Buffalo was busy losing half their receiving corps.
Khalil Shakir is going to see a lot of attention. If I’m Denver, I’m daring Keon Coleman to beat me deep and keeping a safety over the top of Shakir. Shakir's average depth of target (aDOT) was only 3.9 yards this season—he’s a "catch and run" specialist. If the Broncos squeeze the short area, Allen might have to revert to "Hero Ball," which is always a double-edged sword for Buffalo.
Honestly, the X-factor is Keon Coleman. He led the team in yards during the regular-season finale against the Jets when the starters were resting. He has the physical tools to be a WR1, but the consistency just hasn't been there. If there was ever a time for a "breakout" game that defines a career, it’s this Saturday.
Key Stats for the Remaining Group (2025 Regular Season)
- Khalil Shakir: 72 REC, 719 YDS, 4 TD.
- Keon Coleman: 38 REC, 404 YDS, 4 TD.
- Brandin Cooks: 5 REC, 114 YDS (Limited action).
- Curtis Samuel: 7 REC, 81 YDS, 1 TD.
The drop-off after Shakir is staggering. You’re looking at a group that, combined, has fewer yards than many top-tier individual receivers in the league. It’s a scrappy bunch, sure, but talent-wise, they are outgunned on paper.
Actionable Insights for the Divisional Round
If you’re looking at how this affects the game or your fantasy/betting leans, here’s the reality.
Watch the injury report for Curtis Samuel’s snap count. If he’s truly healthy, he’s the only one besides Shakir who can consistently create separation in the slot. Also, keep an eye on Frank Gore Jr. being elevated. It sounds unrelated, but if the Bills can't pass, they are going to run the ball 40 times.
Next Steps for Bills Fans:
Check the final active roster 90 minutes before kickoff. If the Bills only dress four receivers, expect a massive dose of Kincaid and Knox in the passing game. Also, look for Khalil Shakir's over/under on receptions; with the lack of targets elsewhere, Allen is likely to look his way on every third down.