The Buffalo Bills faced an injury concern during their road game against the New York Jets on Sunday, as wide receiver Keon Coleman headed to the medical tent after taking a hard hit in the fourth quarter. Coleman later returned to the game.
Buffalo had already lost starting cornerback Dee Alford to an injury. Coleman was hit around the head after making a catch, but no penalty was called. Head coach Joe Brady was unhappy with the lack of a flag.
The Bills turned to Greg Dortch at receiver on the next play. Quarterback Josh Allen’s pass intended for Dortch downfield was intercepted.
Coleman was selected in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Entering the game against the Jets, he had 23 receptions for 304 yards and three touchdowns. Now in his third NFL season, he has been working to establish a larger role in Buffalo’s offense.
## Joe Brady and Josh Allen Backed Coleman
Coleman’s place with the Bills appeared uncertain after the team’s playoff elimination. He had been a healthy scratch after arriving late to the facility and struggling on the field. But Brady, who had pushed for the Bills to draft Coleman, publicly expressed confidence in him after taking over as head coach.
“I told Keon when I got hired, the best thing that happened to Keon Coleman was me being his head coach,” Brady said when he was introduced in the role. “I was one of the ones that stood on the table for Keon Coleman, and I believe in Keon Coleman.”
Allen also said he expected Coleman to remain part of the team’s plans.
“I’m not going to give up on [Coleman],” Allen said. “He’s got too much ability, and I will not give up on him. We’re going to work tirelessly, him and me, and so will everybody else in this building, to make sure that whenever we step foot on the field, that we’re going to find ways to win football games. And he’s going to be part of that.”
With DJ Moore added to the roster, Coleman’s role has been more limited, but he has continued to provide Buffalo with a solid receiving option. The Bills entered the game 7–1 and atop the AFC East.
