The Buffalo Bills may be facing a significant challenge to start their 2025 campaign, as wide receiver Khalil Shakir has reportedly suffered a high ankle sprain that could keep him sidelined for an extended period. Initial reports from head coach Sean McDermott categorized him as “week to week,” but further information suggests Shakir could miss as many as 6 to 8 weeks—or possibly longer—depending on the progress of his recovery.
The injury occurred during training camp and is now being viewed as a long-term absence that could stretch deep into the regular season. High ankle sprains are notoriously difficult to manage and often require lengthy rehabilitation. If complications arise or Shakir struggles to return to full speed, it’s possible the Bills may not see him back on the field until midseason.
Shakir played a vital role in Buffalo’s offense last year, finishing the season with 821 receiving yards. He was expected to take on an even larger share of the workload this year, particularly with a revamped receiver room. Without him, the Bills will have to accelerate the integration of new additions like Keon Coleman, Joshua Palmer, and Elijah Moore, while also leaning more heavily on their tight ends and running backs in the passing game.
Josh Allen, the centerpiece of the Bills’ offense, has always found ways to adapt. However, losing a dependable and explosive target like Shakir puts added pressure on the quarterback and raises concerns about the team’s early-season chemistry.
Buffalo enters the 2025 season once again as one of the league’s top Super Bowl hopefuls. Yet, in recent years, their postseason dreams have been repeatedly dashed by the Kansas City Chiefs. To finally break through, the Bills will need to stay healthy and maintain momentum throughout the year—a task now made more difficult by Shakir’s absence.
If there’s a silver lining, it’s that a midseason return could allow Shakir to rejoin the team refreshed and ready for a playoff push. But for now, Buffalo will have to navigate the early part of the schedule without one of its top offensive weapons.
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