Fan Favorite Receiver Returns To Bills Practice On Wednesday

The Buffalo Bills are getting a fan-favorite player back on the practice squad. During his pre-practice press conference on Wednesday, head coach Joe Brady confirmed that the team was opening wide receiver Tyrell Shavers' 21-day practice window. 

That means he'll be on the football field for the first time since January.

Shavers has been with the Bills since 2024, but became a mainstay player last season. In 17 regular-season games, Shavers had 15 catches for 245 yards and a touchdown, carving out a role in Buffalo's receiving corps as well as on special teams, while earning the trust of the coaching staff.

In the playoffs against Jacksonville, however, he suffered a torn ACL that would end his playoff run early. But he didn't leave that game. Shavers suffered the injury in the first half, but returned and played in the second half before having surgery later that week.

That effort offered a glimpse into why Shavers has become such a well-liked player in Buffalo. While his numbers might not jump off the page, his willingness to do whatever the team needs has made an impression on those around him.

On his return, Brady said that he loves Shavers and that seeing what he does to help is team is nothing short of impressive.

Brady said that Shavers is a player who "doesn't give a damn" if he has a catch in a game. His focus is on doing what he can to help the Bills win football games, a trait that has endeared him to both the coaching staff and teammates.

"A guy like Tyrell Shavers is what you want to build your team around," Brady said. "The personality, the mindsets."

Brady added that he's excited to simply let Shavers go play football again. After spending months recovering from a significant knee injury, getting back onto the practice field is an important step in his return.

The Bills will now have up to three weeks to evaluate Shavers before making a decision on his roster status. The 21-day practice window allows him to participate as he works toward a potential return, but it does not guarantee he'll be activated.

If Buffalo activates Shavers, the team will need to make a corresponding move to open a spot on its 53-man roster. For now, the focus will be on seeing how he responds to returning to football activities and whether he can get back to the level that made him a valuable part of the team last season.