The Buffalo Bills are rolling into Week 10 with a solid grip on the AFC East, but the road ahead won’t be easy. As they head to Lucas Oil Stadium to take on the Indianapolis Colts, a team with playoff aspirations of their own, the Bills are facing a pivotal test—not just in terms of keeping their divisional lead, but also in terms of maintaining offensive rhythm amid some key injuries at wide receiver.
Keon Coleman Out for Week 10
Injury news hit the Bills’ receiving corps hard this week, with rookie standout Keon Coleman ruled out for Sunday’s matchup against Indianapolis. During his weekly appearance on WGR550, head coach Sean McDermott confirmed that Coleman, who had been a dynamic force for Buffalo’s offense, would miss the game due to a wrist injury sustained during last Sunday’s 24-16 victory over the Miami Dolphins.
“It’s a week-to-week deal,” McDermott said of Coleman’s condition. “It’ll probably be multiple weeks.”
This marks the first missed game of the season for Coleman, and it’s a tough blow for a Bills offense that had been leaning on the rookie to provide a spark. Through nine games, Coleman has quickly established himself as a reliable target, displaying impressive chemistry with quarterback Josh Allen and contributing crucial catches in high-pressure situations. His absence creates a void, one that Buffalo will have to fill in a crucial road game against the Colts.
Amari Cooper’s Uncertainty
As if Coleman’s injury wasn’t enough, the Bills are also dealing with uncertainty surrounding wide receiver Amari Cooper, who joined the team midseason. Cooper, who had a strong debut performance in Buffalo’s Week 8 win over the New England Patriots, has been inconsistent since. Early struggles with his previous team, the Cleveland Browns, followed by a wrist injury of his own, have left Cooper’s impact somewhat muted.
Cooper has shown flashes of his All-Pro talent, but with another injury slowing him down, his availability for Sunday’s game is in question. As of Friday, Cooper was still listed as questionable, and the Bills will be closely monitoring his progress in the final days leading up to the game.
Reggie Gilliam Also Limited
In addition to Coleman and Cooper, fullback Reggie Gilliam has also been dealing with a hip issue that has limited his participation in practice. While Gilliam isn’t typically a focal point of the passing game, his blocking ability and versatility are crucial to Buffalo’s offensive balance. His potential absence would add further uncertainty to an already fragile situation.
The Next Man Up: Shakir and Kincaid
With the potential absence of two key weapons in Coleman and Cooper, the Bills will need others to step up and fill the void. Enter second-year receiver Khalil Shakir, who has shown flashes of his potential throughout the season. Shakir, who has been a reliable option in the slot, will be called upon to take on a larger role in the offense. His ability to create separation and make plays after the catch could be vital as Josh Allen looks for consistency with his new-look receiving corps.
Tight end Dalton Kincaid will also play a pivotal role moving forward. The rookie tight end has quickly gained Allen’s trust as a security blanket over the middle of the field. Kincaid’s ability to stretch the field, along with his agility in the short and intermediate passing game, will be crucial against a Colts defense that has struggled at times to cover tight ends. Kincaid has the potential to become a top target as Allen adjusts to life without Coleman.
Allen’s Call for Consistency
Speaking to the media this week, Josh Allen expressed his desire for greater consistency within the receiving corps—something that becomes all the more critical given the injuries the team is dealing with.
“We’ve got to be on the same page,” Allen said. “The chemistry has to improve. We can’t afford to have lapses, especially with the guys that we have missing right now.”
Allen’s leadership will be crucial as the Bills look to maintain their offensive identity. He has always been a playmaker, but without his full complement of weapons, he’ll need to lean into his experience and trust the next man up.
Colts on the Horizon
As the Bills prepare for a tough matchup with the Indianapolis Colts, they know this game isn’t just about preserving their spot atop the AFC East—it’s about proving that they can thrive even when faced with adversity. The Colts, led by rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson and an up-and-coming defense, have been solid but not yet elite. The Bills have the firepower to win, but they’ll need to work through the injuries and continue developing offensive chemistry on the fly.
The biggest question for Buffalo heading into this game: Can they maintain their high-powered offense without one of their most promising rookie receivers and a banged-up Cooper? If Josh Allen can find rhythm with Shakir, Kincaid, and whatever healthy bodies he has at his disposal, the Bills will still be a dangerous team. But this Colts defense will challenge them every step of the way, making this game a crucial test for Buffalo’s offensive depth.
Looking Ahead
With the AFC East race heating up and the playoffs on the horizon, every game counts. The Bills may not be at full strength, but their depth, coaching, and leadership should be enough to push them through these tough times. As they look to improve their consistency and stay on top of the division, Week 10 will be another litmus test for just how well they can adapt to adversity.
The Bills have shown they can win with resilience—now they’ll need to prove they can win with a banged-up roster. All eyes will be on Josh Allen and the rest of the offense as they take on the Colts this Sunday in a game that could shape the rest of their season.
