Who will return punts for the Buffalo Bills after releasing Tavon Austin?
On Monday, the Buffalo Bills began the process to get down to 80 players by the deadline Tuesday afternoon. The team released punter Matt Haack, which made rookie Matt Araiza their starting punter, and wide receiver Tavon Austin.
The veteran wide receiver was signed in June and seemed to have some good practices and a chance to make the 53-man roster. He was named the team’s starting punt returner on the initial depth chart.
However, Austin dealt with some injuries and missed the first preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts. He did return this past weekend against the Denver Broncos and had two receptions for 18 yards but did not see the field as a punt returner.
Who will be returning punts for the Buffalo Bills this season?
If the first two preseason games are any indication then it will be Khalil Shakir who will be the team’s primary punt returner as he has now been back to return in each game. The fifth round draft pick out of Boise State has had a great training camp and made a big impact as a wide receiver.
Shakir was also listed as the backup punt returner on the initial depth chart and it would appear that this was due more to the coaching staff wanting the rookie to earn his spot on the team. In the initial depth chart, the Bills didn’t have any rookies listed on the first team.
During his time at Boise State, Khalil Shakir didn’t return many punts as he had only 24 over his four years at college. However, in his final season, he did have nine punts and averaged 12.5 yards per return.
The biggest concern for the coaching staff will be ball security as this is something the Bills struggled with on special teams last year. The team began the year with Isaiah McKenzie before switching to Marquez Stevenson but both struggled with fumbles.
Eventually, the Bills had Micah Hyde returning punts but this should not be the plan moving forward as he is too valuable to the defense. If Shakir is able to solidify this part of the special teams, it will be a big boost for the team this upcoming season.
