The Buffalo Bills’ offense has its work cut out for it today against a stingy Cleveland Browns defense. In recent weeks, quarterback Josh Allen has had to lead heroic come-from-behind efforts to come away with wins despite not getting much help from his wide receivers.
His wide receivers will look a bit different against Cleveland. NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe reported ahead of Sunday’s game that second-year wideout Keon Coleman is inactive, a healthy scratch. Veteran wide receiver Mecole Hardman will get a helmet in his place.
Hardman, who was on Injured Reserve with a calf injury, had his 21-day return window opened up earlier this week. He’ll make his first appearance for the Bills since he played 11 snaps against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 11.
Buffalo Bills send Keon Coleman back to the bench with another healthy scratch
Coleman’s latest benching is another disappointing outcome in what has been a frustrating second season for the once-promising player from Florida State, who was drafted with the first pick of the second round in 2024. Coleman had been active in the past three games after being benched in Week 11 and held out in Week 12 due to the short week.
Coleman picked up a touchdown score against Pittsburgh that had fans hoping the young wideout was ready to contribute effectively to the offense once again. Unfortunately, Coleman caught two passes for 16 yards the following week against Cincinnati and was completely shut out against New England.
Of course, Coleman opened the season with one of his strongest performances as a pro against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 1, catching eight passes for 112 yards and a score. Since then, Coleman hasn’t recorded more than four catches or more than 46 yards in a single game.
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Production has been hard to come by for all of Buffalo’s wide receivers this season. But with the postseason around the corner, it appears head coach Sean McDermott wants to give Allen veteran targets to turn to down the stretch. Hardman has been a bit of a journeyman in recent years, but he does have a game-winning touchdown catch in a Super Bowl, so the experience he carries is still valuable.
As for Coleman, his value is dwindling in a manner that is hard to overlook. For the second time this season, he’s on the bench by way of a coach’s decision, which only puts his future and potential under a more scrutinous microscope as the season comes to a close.