Bills List DJ Moore as Questionable Ahead of Chargers Visit
The short version
- DJ Moore is questionable for Week 3 against the Chargers with an AC joint sprain suffered in Week 2.
- Keon Coleman (ankle) and Ed Oliver (hip) are also game-time decisions; Jordan Hancock and TJ Sanders are out.
- Moore has not missed a start in over five seasons and practiced on a limited basis Wednesday and Friday.
- Josh Allen, James Cook, Khalil Shakir, Dalton Kincaid, and Joshua Palmer could all see shifted workloads depending on Moore's status.
Buffalo's top wide receiver is a game-time decision for Sunday's home game against Los Angeles after a Week 2 shoulder injury.
The Buffalo Bills head into their Week 3 matchup with the Los Angeles Chargers carrying uncertainty across their roster. Head coach Joe Brady told reporters that wide receiver DJ Moore is officially listed as questionable because of a shoulder issue, and his status will not be settled until shortly before kickoff.
Moore hurt the AC joint in his shoulder during Buffalo's Week 2 win over the Detroit Lions. He sat out Thursday's practice but was able to participate on a limited basis Wednesday and Friday. Moore indicated this week that he was feeling well physically and just had a handful of remaining checkpoints to clear before receiving medical approval.
Two other starters share the same designation. Wide receiver Keon Coleman is battling an ankle problem, and defensive tackle Ed Oliver is dealing with a hip injury. Brady said each of the three will be evaluated during pregame warmups before a final decision is made. Safety Jordan Hancock, out with a hamstring issue, and defensive tackle TJ Sanders, recovering from an appendectomy, have already been ruled out.
Moore has been remarkably durable throughout his career, having gone more than five seasons without missing a start. That track record provides some reason for optimism that he will be in uniform, though he may not be operating at full health if he does take the field.
For quarterback Josh Allen, the potential absence of both Moore and Coleman against a strong Chargers pass defense would trim some of his upside, even if his rushing ability keeps his floor high. He would likely rely more on shorter throws and contribute more as a runner, particularly in obvious passing situations and near the goal line.
Running back James Cook profiles as one of the biggest winners if Buffalo's receiver room is shorthanded. A more run-oriented game plan could push his workload into the 18-20 touch range, boosting his value as both a runner and a receiver out of the backfield. Slot receiver Khalil Shakir, who has a strong rapport with Allen, could see his share of targets climb into the 20-25 percent range if Moore sits or serves mainly as a decoy.
Tight end Dalton Kincaid would also stand to see additional work on third downs and inside the red zone, while Joshua Palmer could emerge as a waiver option for teams seeking receiver depth if either Moore or Coleman is unable to play. Coleman himself, if active while Moore is limited or absent, would step into a prominent role on the perimeter despite the risk that comes with playing through an ankle injury.
Fans can watch the Chargers face the Bills on Sunday, September 27 at 1:00 PM EDT at Highmark Stadium, with the game airing on FOX.
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