Bills Rule DJ Moore Out as Coleman Takes on Larger Role

Buffalo's receiving corps lost a key option before its Week 5 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, on October 12, 2026. The Bills ruled DJ Moore inactive because of a recurring shoulder injury, leaving quarterback Josh Allen without the veteran receiver and increasing the importance of Keon Coleman and the team's remaining pass catchers. According to Sports Illustrated, Moore could have another opportunity to recover before Buffalo's Week 6 game against the Las Vegas Raiders.

His return remains uncertain, however, because the short turnaround could limit his recovery time ahead of the team's Week 7 bye. Sports Yahoo reported that Buffalo elevated Trent Sherfield from its practice squad before the Rams game. The move addressed a depleted receiver group, with Joshua Palmer also unavailable for Week 5.

Moore arrived in Buffalo after the Bills traded a second-round pick to the Chicago Bears during the offseason. According to Sports Yahoo, he had recorded four 1,000-yard seasons before joining Buffalo, but his first season with the Bills has been interrupted by shoulder problems.

The injury initially forced Moore out of Buffalo's Week 2 game against the Detroit Lions. He returned for Weeks 3 and 4 but aggravated the problem against the New England Patriots, leaving that game early as well. Across his first four games, Moore recorded 12 receptions for 178 yards and one touchdown on 20 targets, according to Sports Yahoo. He missed nearly every practice before participating on a limited basis Saturday, October 10, and was subsequently listed as questionable before being ruled inactive.

Sports Illustrated reported that ESPN's Adam Schefter described the aggravated injury as not being a long-term issue. NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe also discussed the team's approach to Moore's recovery ahead of the Rams matchup. Wolfe said the hope is "more rest will help (Moore) with shoulder throughout the season," according to Sports Illustrated. The report indicated that Buffalo could prioritize additional recovery time as the season progresses.

With Moore's availability uncertain, Coleman has emerged as an important alternative in the Bills' passing game. Sports Illustrated reported that the former second-round pick delivered six catches for 63 yards in Week 2 after Moore exited against Detroit. Coleman produced another strong performance in Week 4 against New England, catching six passes for 116 yards and one touchdown after Moore left the game.

His production has strengthened his position among Buffalo's receiving options, although his long-term role remains unsettled. Sherfield provides additional depth and familiarity with Allen. According to Sports Yahoo, the veteran receiver previously played for Buffalo in 2023, recording 11 receptions for 86 yards on 22 targets while primarily serving as a fourth or fifth option on the depth chart.

Buffalo's first injury report for Week 6 was scheduled for Wednesday afternoon, October 14, providing the next formal update on Moore's status. The team's upcoming game against the Las Vegas Raiders falls before its Week 7 bye, giving the Bills another decision about whether to return Moore immediately or allow more recovery time.