The situation tonight
It’s a massive Monday night showdown at SoFi Stadium, but the Buffalo Bills are taking the field tonight without their top wide receiver, DJ Moore. He is officially inactive against the Los Angeles Rams due to that shoulder injury that has been bothering him for weeks.
Moore didn't practice Thursday or Friday, and despite a limited return on Saturday, the staff ultimately decided he wasn't ready to go. The team also made moves to bolster the depth chart, elevating wide receiver Trent Sherfield Sr. from the practice squad earlier this afternoon.
The injury timeline
This injury has been hanging over Moore’s head since Week 2 against the Detroit Lions. He managed to play through it until he re-aggravated the shoulder in the second quarter of last week’s tough loss to the New England Patriots.
When he’s been healthy, he’s been absolute fire. In the two games where he didn’t leave early, he was the clear main character of the Bills' passing attack. He put up a 100-yard performance with a touchdown against Houston in Week 1 and followed it up with a 67-yard showing against the Patriots in Week 3. He’s currently second on the team in red zone targets, and nine of his 12 catches this season have been for first downs. It’s giving elite production, but the injury is lowkey killing his momentum.
Next man up
With Moore on the sideline, all eyes are on Keon Coleman. He’s coming off a massive career-best game against New England where he logged 116 yards and a touchdown. He was practically unstoppable, grabbing six catches—five of which resulted in first downs—and proving he’s ready to step up. Say less, Keon.
Why it matters
This game is widely considered a potential Super Bowl preview. With two of the league’s most elite clubs clashing, the Bills are going to need every explosive play they can get from the wideout corps to keep pace with the Rams’ high-powered offense.
