BREAKING: Bills to Part Ways With 2023 Draft Pick Amid Injury Struggles
The Buffalo Bills had high hopes for rookie Justin Shorter after his strong preseason performance in 2023, but a hamstring injury ultimately ended his season before it began.
Now, Shorter faces a tough challenge in making the final roster this season. According to Jay Skurski of the Buffalo News, Shorter may not be among the six receivers the Bills keep on their final 53-man roster. He is likely to be squeezed out by the influx of veterans the team acquired to compensate for the offseason losses of Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis.
Despite his impressive preseason performances last year, Shorter’s hamstring injury led to him being placed on season-ending injured reserve, complicating his path to securing a spot on the roster this year.
Bills Could Look Elsewhere for Depth at Receiver
Jay Skurski of the Buffalo News noted that the top of the Bills’ wide receiver lineup is solidified, featuring rookie Keon Coleman, third-year receiver Khalil Shakir, and veteran Curtis Samuel. Former Kansas City Chiefs receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling is nearly a lock for the roster, according to Skurski.
Hear me out.. what if Justin Shorter is a stud? #BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/VNe3EOtesa
— Jon Thomas (@jtvan44) February 2, 2024
Veteran Chase Claypool has impressed in early practices, adding pressure on Justin Shorter to secure a spot. Shorter must outperform speedy practice squad receivers Andy Isabella or K.J. Hamler to make the roster. Skurski highlighted that Shorter, a fifth-round pick in 2023, missed last season due to a hamstring injury.
“If the Bills want more depth at slot receiver, Isabella or Hamler would have a better chance,” Skurski wrote.
Skurski also predicted that veteran Mack Hollins, known for his special teams contributions, would earn a roster spot over Shorter.
Justin Shorter Impressed Bills Last Season
Justin Shorter was once a highly touted wide receiver prospect, earning the No. 1 ranking as a high school recruit in 2018. However, his college career at Florida fell short of those lofty expectations. Over three seasons at Florida, Shorter made 95 receptions for 1,395 yards and eight touchdowns. He impressed the Buffalo Bills in pre-draft interviews last offseason, leading to his selection in the fifth round.
Bills general manager Brandon Beane expressed confidence in Shorter’s potential for development under the team’s coaching staff, highlighting his potential contributions on special teams as a way to earn a roster spot quickly.
“A lot of times that’s how guys, they get that jersey on game day and so they’ve got to know the offense or they got to know the defense and ultimately at some point they’re going to be in the game and Josh Allen is going to have to throw to him,” Beane told the Buffalo News. “So a lot’s on him. We believe in him. You can see he’s a pretty good-looking dude. You like the build and so we just got to work with him. … We think there’s some good upside.”
Despite his promising potential and impressive build, Shorter faces stiff competition to make the final roster, particularly from veterans and other promising receivers.
Despite the challenges he faces, Justin Shorter remains confident in his abilities and determination to make a strong return. Reflecting on the past season, he expressed his eagerness to come back stronger in an interview with The Citizen.
Got ourselves another gator.
Welcome to Buffalo, @jshortz10! #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/OP8iE07feU
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) April 29, 2023
“I’m thankful for the opportunity, but I can’t wait to come back next year and grind,” he said. “Just being in the building, watching everyone around me, I feel like that’s been critical in my development. I’ve seen everything, now it’s time to just put the pedal to the metal and just get it. I can’t wait, man. I’ve been training this whole time, just to show people all the work that I’ve put in.”
Shorter’s dedication to his training and positive outlook on his development indicate his readiness to compete for a spot on the Bills’ roster.