Tyrell Shavers' one-handed TD catch and preseason breakout put him squarely in Buffalo’s 53-man roster conversation, even as the Bills weigh a crowded WR group. He led the preseason in receiving yards (123) and a 58-yard grab, plus kickoff coverage snaps that could swing a final cut. Buffalo is expected to keep five or six receivers, with Khalil Shakir, Keon Coleman and Joshua Palmer likely locks, leaving 2–3 spots contested with Samuel, Moore and Shenault.

Shavers’ Week 17 TD on a Mitchell Trubisky screen showed big-play upside, while his special-teams impact signals versatility for a depth role. If he makes the roster, his production hinges on injuries to others and how Buffalo deploys a reserve corps around Shakir, Shenault and Palmer. Fantasy managers should watch the WR battle closely into the final cuts.

Bottom line: Shavers has the athleticism and NFL track record to flash as a sleeper, but the odds tilt with the other vets and Palmer’s presence. His upside is real if he lands in a flexible role, but Buffalo could still favour veterans and established targets in a tight cut process.

Buffalo visits Chicago for Week 2 of the NFL preseason at Soldier Field with Buffalo’s wideout corps still banged up. James Cook’s contract extension adds a clear signal about backfield usage, but exact Sunday reps are up in the air as Buffalo balances risk with opportunity in a tune-up game.

Banks of depth pieces for Buffalo—Laviska Shenault Jr., Jalen Virgil, Deon Cain and Stephen Gosnell—are primed to operate as the immediate next targets behind Cook, especially if the Bills’ WR room remains thin. Chicago’s defense will test Bears-level depth from Coleman, Virgil, Cain, Kristian Wilkerson, Shenault and Gosnell, while Cook’s extension could tilt early-season plans toward a heavier usage in the backfield if pass-game options stay limited.

Television and streaming paths are straightforward: FOX local channels, a 7 p.m. ET kickoff, and options like NFL+, the NFL app and partner services for streaming. Fantasy managers should watch for Cook’s workload cues and the emergence of Shenault, Virgil, Cain and Wilkerson as potential Week 2 contributors in Buffalo’s pass game.

Fantasy takeaway: Cook’s contract extension tightens the leash on early-season usage, while Bills WR injuries raise the floor for Shenault and Virgil as depth options. This game should offer valuable Saturday-night hints on how Buffalo will divvy targets behind Cook and who steps up when the top receivers are limited.

The Buffalo Bills are gearing up for training camp with a roster that's among the deepest in the NFL, yet several players are dealing with minor injuries. Tight end Dawson Knox, offensive tackle Spencer Brown, center Sedrick Van Pran Granger, and receiver Laviska Shenault missed the first day of practice due to hamstring, back, calf, and lower leg issues, respectively. Fortunately, there are no major concerns regarding their recoveries, and all are expected to be monitored closely as they work on rehabilitation with the team.

Despite these injury setbacks, the Bills' training camp has started on a positive note. The team remains optimistic about bouncing back quickly while maintaining high expectations heading into the season. Their depth will be tested, but with a strong roster and the right adjustments, they aim to capitalize on their strengths. This balance of cautious management of player health combined with strategic practice sessions will be crucial for the Bills as they look to make a significant impact this season.

The Buffalo Bills have made strategic moves to bolster their wide receiver corps, aiming to address a significant need as they head into the offseason. Their draft approach was conservative, selecting Kaden Prather from Maryland in the seventh round, who despite being the second-leading receiver for his college team, had modest stats with a maximum of 666 yards and five touchdowns in four seasons. The Bills' free agency efforts included signing Joshua Palmer for a lucrative three-year deal, alongside Lavish Shenault Jr. and the underrated Elijah Moore, both of whom bring potential upside to a competitive receiving group.

While Palmer represents an investment, Shenault has struggled to find a foothold since being a second-round pick, and Moore, originally drafted by the New York Jets, offers a high ceiling but comes with his own challenges. The Bills are not short on talent or options as they prepare for the upcoming season, and how these players develop will be crucial to their overall success.