Injury Update: Bills Receive Thunderbolt News as Key WR Faces Risk of Missing Buccaneers Game

Buffalo, New York – 11/13/2025

The atmosphere in Buffalo suddenly became heavy right before the important game with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, when the Buffalo Bills confirmed that key WR Khalil Shakir is highly likely unable to play at Highmark Stadium. The rib injury Shakir suffered in last week’s loss to the Dolphins turned out more serious than expected, forcing the coaching staff to consider replacement options in a position already thin on personnel for the team.

The potential absence of Shakir is a strong blow to the Bills’ offense – especially in the context that he has been Josh Allen’s number one target since Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis left the team. Shakir has had excellent form from the start of the season with rare consistency, and his role in screen plays, short routes and return situations is extremely important. Without him, the Bills may face heavy pressure from the speed defense of the Buccaneers.

Sean McDermott shared this sad news very cautiously, in the Thursday morning press conference. “We are doing everything we can to help him recover, but player safety is always the top priority,” McDermott said. “Shakir is a warrior, but sometimes you have to protect the players from their own determination.” The sharing made not a few fans immediately feel the worry from the head coach himself.

For Bills Mafia, this is truly hard-to-swallow information. Not only because Shakir is the main explosive, but also because the Bills lineup has been severely worn down by injuries throughout the season – from Ed Oliver, Taylor Rapp to Michael Hoecht. Now, losing another key link in the offense makes the prospect against the Buccaneers even more challenging, especially when Buffalo is trying to chase in the AFC East race.

While Shakir is still listed as “questionable,” the spirit inside the Bills locker room still has high determination. But with the loss of the team leader in receptions, Buffalo is forced to find a quick solution if they want to keep the home advantage at Highmark and face a Buccaneers team that is full of momentum. One thing is certain: the ball has not been handed off, but the Bills have to fight right from the bad news at the beginning of the week.