The Buffalo Bills seem unlikely to sign Keon Coleman anytime soon.
The team, having traded up to acquire the 33rd pick in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, is set to leave Coleman inactive for the second week in a row during the Thursday night game against the Texans. This information comes from sources like Cover 1.
Surprisingly, Coleman was also inactive last week against the Buccaneers. While he began the season with the potential to become the team’s top receiver, things have taken a downturn, and he seems to have lost favor with the coaching staff in Buffalo.
The reason for his benching last week was due to his tardiness for a meeting.
Bills head coach Sean McDermott mentioned that Coleman was “running out of strikes” while discussing his decision last week.
“That was my call,” McDermott said after the Bills’ 44-32 victory over the Buccaneers. “It’s unfortunate, but I still believe in this young man… I try to encourage the guys to show their teammates a better side of themselves. If it doesn’t improve, I’ll take action. I believe he’ll learn from this, and I see him moving in a more positive direction.”
In the season opener, Coleman had a solid performance, securing eight catches for 112 yards and one touchdown against the Ravens. However, since then, his performance has dwindled considerably.
He hasn’t topped 50 receiving yards in any game since, with his total stats standing at 32 catches, 330 yards, and just three touchdowns this season.
After being benched, Coleman acknowledged his mistake and expressed that he understands McDermott’s position.
“You need to do what’s expected, be where you should be… avoid those kinds of mistakes,” Coleman said. “You have to act like a professional.”
Earlier this season, Coleman was also briefly benched in a close 23-20 loss to New England, and he was responsible for a fumble in that game.
As the Bills (7-3) prepare to face the Patriots (9-2) with their playoff prospects hanging in the balance, things could get even more challenging for Coleman if he doesn’t step up.
