Khalil Shakir's absence creates opportunity for other WRs at Bills minicamp

The Buffalo Bills began their mandatory minicamp on Tuesday and unfortunately already saw one player leave due to injury. To complicate matters even more it is at a position that is very much in flux this offseason at wide receiver.

According to WGR550's Sal Capaccio, Shakir sustained a lower leg injury and after talking with trainers left the practice field. The third-year wide receiver is expected to have a much bigger role this season with the departure of Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis and is the only receiver on the roster who has caught a pass from Josh Allen in the regular season.

The Bills are scheduled to have two more practices this week but considering it is very early in the offseason, it wouldn't be surprising to see the team err on the side of caution and hold Shakir out the remainder of the week.

Khalil Shakir's absence opens the door for other Buffalo Bills wide receivers to make an impact

The absence of Shakir creates some big opportunities for other wide receivers currently on the roster who are trying to not only make the 53-man roster but carve out a role in this passing game. On Tuesday, two of those players on the bubble seemed to do just that.

Alex Brasky with The Batavia News noted that Andy Isabella had a good practice and made some key catches. While Isabella may not have caught a pass from Josh Allen in the regular season, he is familiar with this offense after spending most of the season on the practice squad.

Another player that has generated some buzz this offseason is Chase Claypool, as the former second-round pick is looking to turn his career around. After practice on Tuesday, Allen was asked about Claypool and said according to Brasky:

"“He’s a big body, he can run very fast,” said Allen of Claypool. “He’s been making some plays downfield for us. He seems like he’s very bought into the system right now and is vibing with the guys."

The absence of Shakir could open the door for players like Isabella and Claypool to get some additional reps this week and help the coaching staff as they continue to evaluate this position.