Keon Coleman gets massive bad news as Bills put WR on notice ahead of Week 11 game vs. Buccaneers: Report

Keon Coleman might not feature in the Buffalo Bills’ Week 11 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. According to Buffalo-based media outlet Cover 1, the wide receiver will be a healthy scratch for the upcoming game after the Bills added two new receivers to the active roster.

In a roster shake-up, the Bills recently signed Mecole Hardman to their 53-man roster while elevating Gabe Davis from the practice squad. This immediately led to a series of questions around the status of Coleman for the high-stakes game against the Buccaneers on Sunday.

“According to a source, WR Keon Coleman will be a healthy scratch against the Bucs,” Cover 1 wrote on X. “A big shakeup in the Bills WR rotation.”

Looking to predict NFL playoff Scenarios? Try our NFL Playoff Predictor for real-time simulations and stay ahead of the game!

The elevation of Davis has a lot of indications, as the playing style of the Bills’ 2020 fourth-round pick, who played last season with the Jacksonville Jaguars, mirrors Keon Coleman. Hardman’s arrival tightens the roster math, leaving Coleman likely on the roster bubble ahead of the game.

The Bills usually activate five wide receivers on game days. Khalil Shakir and Joshua Palmer are locked to dress against the Bucs, and Davis and Hardman are also expected to suit up. That leaves just two spots at most for Coleman, Tyrell Shavers, Curtis Samuel, and Elijah Moore.

Keon Coleman has been one of the top-performing wide receivers for the Bills this season. He's appeared in nine games with six starts, recording 32 receptions for 330 yards and three touchdowns. However, his recent performances have been short of expectations, leading to uncertainty about his status.

Keon Coleman’s situation comes after an underwhelming performance against the Dolphins

Keon Coleman’s performance in the Buffalo Bills' 30-13 loss to the Miami Dolphins has placed him in this precarious situation. He led all receivers with 86 air yards on his targets, accounting for 71.3% of the position group's total, but converted just 37 of those yards (19.9%).

He, however, made it known in his locker room interview after the game that the team's improvement needs to start with everyone, while giving no definitive answer about the Bills' passing woes.

“Us as a team just have to be better,” Coleman said. “Everyone, I say start with me in the receiving room. A lot is going to be put on our shoulders and make plays. So, we got to go out there and make them, and then from there, everybody else follow suit.”

While Coleman had issues with route-running and separation, it's worth noting that Josh Allen also missed him and several other open receivers deep downfield. The quarterback is, however, backing Coleman to get back stronger amid recent struggles.

Edited by Farouk Yusuf