Bills' Josh Allen gets a huge win ahead of team's final preseason game that'll greatly impact his regular season performance

Josh Allen and Khalil Shakir in 2024

Shakir and Allen, both on the football field together, will go a long way toward the team's goal of bringing a Lombardi Trophy to Orchard Park. The MVP was otherworldly, and his connection with Shakir last year gave the Bills Mafia plenty of jaw-dropping moments.

After a 2023 campaign that saw Shakir haul in 39 catches for 611 yards and two touchdowns, he took on a bigger role in 2024. Improving in nearly every measurable category, Shakir hauled in 76 receptions for 821 yards and four touchdowns. According to Pro Football Focus, some of Shakir's advanced metrics ranked among the best in the league.

"Some of Shakir's rate stats last season were among the best for wide receivers. His 0.052 avoided-tackles-per-route clip was the best among wide receivers, while his 19.9% receptions per route ranked second."

The fourth-year receiver was injured during the Bills Return of the Blue and Red practice and hasn't been back on the field since. Shakir being available to play against the Ravens is a must, and from all reports, it looks like that's exactly what's going to happen. We are not speculating on when we think he'll return, just on what the front office has shared throughout the process.

Regardless, having Shakir back and playing is a huge boost for Allen and the entire offense.

Shakir continues to progress

Eagle-eyed Bills fans glancing over at the sideline during the preseason blowout loss to the Chicago Bears might've noticed that Shakir didn't travel with the team. McDermott provided an inside look at what was going on behind the scenes with the talented pass catcher.

"We didn't take him on the trip this past weekend because it's best with our resources here for him to stay here and rehab. No change to his schedule, he continues to rehab, and the goal is to get him back as soon as possible. Whether that's the end of this week or the beginning of next. Somewhere next week, remains to be seen."

Injuries continue to be an issue for the Bills as they try to navigate an almost impossible situation with the cutdown day rapidly approaching. How bad are the injuries for the Buffalo Bills? Let's take a look at the most recent injury update provided by McDermott ahead of practice on Tuesday.

Bills players limited in practice

• CB Cam Lewis
• K Tyler Bass
• WR Curtis Samuel
• DE Javon Solomon
• LB Edefuan Ulofoshio
• DE Nelson Caesar
• C Alec Anderson
• LB Shaq Thompson
• C Connor McGovern

Bills players unable to practice

• OL Tylan Grable
• WR Khalil Shakir
• CB Maxwell Hairston
• C Sedrick Van Pran Granger
• S Jordan Hancock
• LB Keonta Jenkins

Injuries are still very much an issue, and there are more questions than answers heading into the team's final preseason game. Throw on the Shout Song and Mr. Brightside, watch some Josh Allen highlights, and remember to breathe.

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