Buffalo Bills

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Tyrell Shavers was an undrafted free-agent signing out of San Diego State last offseason, and according to Nick Wojton of the Bills Wire, he could be trending toward making the team's 53-man roster this season. "With a need for wide receivers, it was always likely that the "training camp darling" in 2024 was going to be a receiver. It is and it's Shavers," Wojton wrote. "[He] has made plays, leading to him getting reps with the first-team offense. He could be securing a roster spot already and Shavers is a name to watch when the preseason rolls around." The 24-year-old began his collegiate career at Alabama, meaning he was once viewed as a top talent and high-school recruit. While the odds are likely against him to make a fantasy impact in 2024, the Bills have just one receiver on the roster who has caught a pass from Josh Allen in a regular-season game (Khalil Shakir). If Shavers makes the opening roster, he can be viewed as a deep dynasty league stash, and his opportunities should be monitored early in the new campaign.

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir has been showing that he's a trusted asset for quarterback Josh Allen during training camp practices. Shakir had one of the biggest plays of the day on Tuesday, and it was a reminder of how much Allen trusts him in late-game situations. It started early in Shakir's rookie season, when he was the recipient of an Allen pass late against the Ravens in 2022. Shakir's role grew to a nearly high-snap player last year, and now the stage is set in 2024 for the Shakir-Allen connection to continue. The 24-year-old has been one of the most consistent, dependable players in camp so far. As things look now, Shakir should operate in three-wide sets to open the season in Buffalo, alongside rookie Keon Coleman and veteran Curtis Samuel. In deeper fantasy leagues, he might be worth a flier as a WR4/5 bench asset.

With Buffalo Bills running back Ty Johnson (undisclosed) suffering an undisclosed injury at training camp early this week, giving rookie running back Ray Davis a big opportunity in practices this week. After Johnson left, Davis was the clear second back on the field after starter James Cook, working in with quarterback Josh Allen and the first-team offense when Cook wasn't on the field. If Johnson's injury is serious, Davis will have a big opportunity to secure the top backup role to Cook to start the 2024 season. The rest of the Bills' RB depth chart features players who seem unlikely to make the 53-man roster. However, Buffalo could look to add a free-agent RB at some point this summer if Johnson requires an extended absence. Even when Johnson was healthy over the weekend, he split first-team reps with Davis with Cook sitting out.

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling has faded into the background at training camp in the last few practices as he attempts to battle for a prominent role on offense in 2024. Valdes-Scantling has yet to make a strong impression in the passing game during team drills, and his opportunities with quarterback Josh Allen and the top unit have dwindled as a result. At one point, MVS was on a side field working with the second and third units, which was more notable with Chase Claypool (toe) out. It's still early, but it's been clear that he hasn't been on of the top five receivers this summer. Second-year wideout Tyrell Shavers has outplayed Valdes-Scantling and offers more versatility. Claypool has also had his moments before getting injured. If the Bills decide to move on, they'd eat $2.25 million in dead cap money.

Buffalo Bills running back Ty Johnson (undisclosed) suffered a noticeable injury after a significant hit from linebacker Terrel Bernard during a running play to the left side on Monday at training camp. Johnson, drafted by the Detroit Lions in the sixth round of 2019, has moved around the league before finding a place with the Bills in 2023. When starter James Cook missed practice on Sunday for personal reasons, Johnson and rookie Ray Davis split first-team reps almost evenly. This injury comes at a challenging time for Johnson, as he and Davis vie for the second spot on the depth chart, potentially giving Davis more opportunities. However, both backs may see playing time as they have distinct roles, with Davis being a power runner and Johnson being known for his speed and receiving skills. With Cook expected to handle most of the running back touches, Johnson's value is likely limited to a handcuff in fantasy at best.