The Buffalo Bills revamped their wide receiver lineup in the offseason, parting ways with their top receiver, Stefon Diggs, and allowing No. 2 receiver, Gabe Davis, to leave in free agency.
There was speculation about how both players might perform without Josh Allen as their quarterback, but that question may remain largely unanswered. Just weeks after the Houston Texans placed Diggs on injured reserve due to a season-ending torn ACL, Davis has now joined him on the sidelines.
On November 19, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the Jacksonville Jaguars had placed Davis on season-ending injured reserve after he suffered a knee injury.
Davis’ production had decreased since joining the struggling Jaguars, with only 20 catches for 239 yards and two touchdowns. Despite his inconsistency this season, Davis was a key contributor during his four years with the Bills, recording 163 receptions, 2,730 yards, and 27 touchdowns.
The Bills decided not to re-sign Davis when he became a free agent, choosing instead to cut costs by releasing several veteran players to free up cap space. Davis then signed a three-year, $39 million deal with the Jaguars in March.
Disappointing Season Over for Gabe Davis
Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson confirmed that Davis would miss the rest of the season, citing his ongoing battle with injuries. “It is confirmed, this morning,” Pederson said. “I hate it for him. He’s battled through some injuries this season, but he was in good spirits today when I saw him.”
Meanwhile, Diggs, Davis’ former teammate, also suffered a season-ending injury when he tore his ACL in a win over the Indianapolis Colts. Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud expressed sympathy for Diggs, acknowledging the hard work he put in. “It sucks,” Stroud said. “I just really feel bad for him. He’s worked extremely hard… I just feel for him and praying for him. Hoping he keeps his head up high and knows he’ll bounce back even stronger.”
Other ex-Bills veterans, like cornerback Tre’Davious White, have faced struggles with their new teams. White, who joined the Los Angeles Rams last offseason, was traded to the Baltimore Ravens at the trade deadline.
Bills Revamped Wide Receiving Corps
The Bills have jumped out to their best start in more than 30 years thanks in part to a revamped wide receiving corps that has allowed Allen to more evenly spread out the targets. The team used its top draft pick on rookie Keon Coleman while bringing in veteran Curtis Samuel, then acquired Pro Bowler Amari Cooper at the trade deadline.
The acquisitions have helped give the Bills a balanced attack, with five players who have at least 20 receptions and 11 different players with at least one receiving touchdown.
