Cole Beasley added to Reserve/COVID-19 list, reportedly out Week 16

The Buffalo Bills announced on Tuesday that starting wide receiver Cole Beasley was placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list. He is now set to miss this weekend’s game against the New England Patriots as Ian Rapoport reported he tested positive and is automatically out a minimum of 10 days under the league’s protocol for unvaccinated players.

He could potentially return in time for their Week 17 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons.

Beasley has appeared in every game this season and has 76 receptions on 101 targets for 640 receiving yards and one touchdown. While Beasley is primarily a slot receiver, he is a big part of this offense and has played 64% of the offensive snaps this season.

Buffalo Bills have options to replace Cole Beasley this week against the New England Patriots

While it will be tough replacing Cole Beasley this week, the Buffalo Bills could have some options in filling the spot in this offense. The most likely player will be Isaiah McKenzie, who hasn’t seen much playing time on offense this year.

However, the veteran receiver has looked good at times when given the chance to play extended snaps at wide receiver. The most notable game was the final regular season game last year when Beasley was out due to a partially broken fibula and McKenzie had six receptions, 65 receiving yards, and two touchdowns.

Another option would be Emmanuel Sanders but there is some uncertainty about his availability. The veteran receiver missed last week’s game against the Carolina Panthers after suffering a knee injury against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Sanders has primarily been an outside receiver this year with the Bills but has played in the slot before and would be another reliable target for Josh Allen this week in a pivotal matchup with the Patriots. It will be worth watching if Sanders is able to practice tomorrow and in what capacity, which will be the Buffalo Bills first practice of the week.