Bills Rookie WR Skyler Bell In Line To Play Against Los Angeles Rams

It's taken until Week 5, but it appears that Buffalo Bills rookie wide receiver Skyler Bell is going to make his official NFL debut this week.

With fellow receiver Joshua Palmer out with a shoulder injury, Bell is going to dress against the Los Angeles Rams on Monday night. That was confirmed on Saturday afternoon by head coach Joe Brady. 

Brady added that Bell had been taking DJ Moore's spot in practice. Moore has also been a non-participant all week as he continues to deal with the shoulder injury he suffered in Week 2 against the Detroit Lions. While he continued to play, the injury eventually forced him out of last week's game against the New England Patriots. Against the Rams, Moore is officially questionable, and a decision on his status will come just before the inactives are announced. 

For Bell, the 2026 4th-round pick will likely have the opportunity to make an impact in the passing game immediately. Even if Moore plays, he's likely to be limited and on some sort of snap count. That means Keon Colemand and Khalil Shakir are likely to get the blunt of the wide receiver targets. Still, the team will need another player on the outside, and that's where Bell comes in. 

In his final season at UConn, Bell showed the ability to be a reliable target. He finished his redshirt senior season with 101 catches, 1278 yards, and 13 touchdowns. All of them were career highs.

Two weeks ago, Bell said that he was staying ready for the moment his number was called. He said that when the time comes, he knows his abilities will translate on the field for quarterback Josh Allen and the rest of the team. 

Bell said he can create separation of both base plays and when they break down, which should help Allen when he gets forced out of the pocket.

The 24-year-old missed time in training camp with a groin injury and didn't see game action until the team's preseason finale against Pittsburgh. In that game, however, Bell had seven catches for 49 yards. He also scored a touchdown on a 28-yard run.

Now, he gets the opportunity to have his first real snaps in the NFL. But it's more than that. He'll also have the chance to show the coaching staff why he should remain in the lineup from here on out.

The Bills and Rams kick off Monday night at 8:15pm on ESPN and ABC. Bills Roundtable will have full coverage before, during, and after the game.