Khalil Shakir Set for Major Role Against Buccaneers with Kincaid Out
With Dalton Kincaid sidelined due to a hamstring injury, Khalil Shakir is poised to step into the spotlight as the Buffalo Bills face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. As the third-leading receiver, Kincaid’s absence opens the door for Shakir to have a significant impact on the game.
Shakir’s Ready to Shine
Last week, Bills quarterback Josh Allen struggled to find open receivers despite having time in the pocket. This week, with Kincaid out, Allen will have even fewer options. However, Shakir, who has been nursing ankle and rib injuries, has been cleared to play and is expected to be a focal point of the offense.
Head coach Sean McDermott affirmed Shakir’s readiness, stating, “He is heading in the right direction and should be in a good spot for the game.” This optimism from the coaching staff bodes well for Shakir, who is looking to capitalize on the increased opportunities.
Emerging as WR1
While the Bills have been vocal about evaluating the performance of other receivers, Shakir has firmly established himself as the team’s WR1. He leads the squad with 45 receptions, 58 targets, and 457 receiving yards this season. Despite Kincaid’s four touchdown catches making him a key player for the Bills, Shakir’s consistency has made him indispensable in recent weeks.
Fantasy Football experts are taking notice of Shakir’s upward trajectory. In their “Start ‘Em Sit ‘Em” guide, NBC’s analysts predict a breakout performance for him against the Buccaneers. They noted, “Shakir has turned things around after a quiet start to this season. He has dominated targets since Week 3, racking up a 26 percent target share and catching at least five passes in all but one game over that stretch.”
A Season of Growth
Shakir’s early season was hindered by injuries, which limited his participation during the offseason and delayed his adjustment to the season. However, he appears to be regaining his form just in time for this crucial matchup against Tampa Bay. The Bills will undoubtedly lean on him more heavily now that Kincaid is out, making this an ideal moment for Shakir to showcase his skills and solidify his role within the team.
As the Bills gear up for this pivotal game at Highmark Stadium, all eyes will be on Shakir. With his path to stardom seemingly clear, fans and analysts alike are eager to see if he can deliver a performance that underscores his emerging status as a key player for the Buffalo Bills.
