Wide receiver Keon Coleman has been a stable offensive threat for the Buffalo Bills this season. While he has not taken a huge step forward after his rookie season, he has still been effective. However, after making eight receptions for 112 yards in Week 1, he was expected to do much better than he has. Since that performance, he has not eclipsed 50 yards in a game.
As a result, the coaching staff has been forced to explore other offensive options. Heading into Sunday’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, reports have come out that Coleman will not play.
Keon Coleman Status For Week 11 vs. Buccaneers
On Saturday night, reports started to come out that the Buffalo Bills were considering making Keon Coleman a healthy scratch for Sunday’s game against Tampa Bay. This was then confirmed by insider Justin Schultz on Sunday morning.
“Sources: Bills WR Keon Coleman will not play today vs Tampa Bay in what was described to me as a coach’s decision (as Cover1 also said). I’m told it’s not performance-based — Coleman actually had a strong week of practice — but the team wants to see more from him in other areas. Mecole Hardman and Gabe Davis are expected to be up as a result.”
Sources: #Bills WR Keon Coleman will not play today vs Tampa Bay in what was described to me as a coach’s decision (as @Cover1 also said).
I’m told it’s not performance-based — Coleman actually had a strong week of practice — but the team wants to see more from him in other… pic.twitter.com/AuwIUF8Jho
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) November 16, 2025
Why Was Keon Coleman Benched?
According to the report from Justin Schultz, Coleman is not being benched because of his performance. However, it is hard for many fans to believe that after Coleman’s lackluster play in recent weeks.
The coaching staff has not made an official statement on why Coleman is not expected to play. Fans will likely need to wait until head coach Sean McDermott is asked about it after the game.
With Coleman sitting on the bench, the Bills are expected to move Mecole Hardman and Gabe Davis to the active roster.
The Bills are scheduled to take on the Buccaneers on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.
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