Bills HC Sean McDermott said he’s being told as of now that WR Khalil Shakir should be on pace to return for the start of the season.

Shakir is dealing with a high ankle sprain.

Related Players: Joshua Palmer, Keon Coleman, Elijah Moore, Curtis Samuel

It would be fantastic news if Shakir were able to suit up to kick off the season, as we're still expecting him to pace the team in targets. If he has a fully healthy season, there are signs pointing to a potential true breakout, making him an intriguing WR3 at a WR4 price. That all depends on volume though, so any missed time makes him a less valuable pick due to a lack of "blow-up" games.

On his first day back at camp, Keon Coleman was in a prominent role again, working with Allen and the first-team offense heavily, though he failed to deliver on several opportunities.

During team drills, Coleman had four targets result in no receptions. The first was against second-team cornerback Dane Jackson, with Jackson sticking on Coleman the whole way and not allowing a catch opportunity. Coleman later had two reps against top cornerback Benford, with Benford breaking up both passes in contested opportunities. Then, near the end, Coleman had a chance to catch a pass along the sideline against Tre’Davious White, only for White to break up the pass.

Related Players: Joshua Palmer, Khalil Shakir, Elijah Moore, Curtis Samuel

Buscaglia goes on to hit on Coleman's lack of separation, which had been an issue through the receiver's rookie season as well. If the sophomore continues to struggle, we could once again see him in a rotation, which will sap any sort of consistent fantasy production. Shakir's role is already locked in, but Palmer, a free agent addition, could end up seeing enough work to make him an interesting late-round dart throw.

Browns game status for Week 16 vs. the Bengals:

Martin Emerson Jr., David Njoku and Cedric Tillman - questionable

Shelby Harris - out

Related Players: Jordan Akins, Jerry Jeudy, Elijah Moore

There are far better streamers available than Akins if Njoku is ruled out, even in a great matchup.

As for the WRs, Jeudy should continue to roll along as a WR3, regardless of Tillman's status.

Browns rule out WR Cedric Tillman (concussion) for Sunday vs.
Chiefs.
TE David Njoku (hamstring), LG Joel Bitonio (back), DT Mike Hall Jr. (knee), CB Myles Harden (tibia) listed as questionable.

Related Players: Jordan Akins, Jerry Jeudy, Elijah Moore

Akins shouldn't be considered a streaming TE option if Njoku misses Sunday's game, as the team has already mentioned that they'll use a "tight end by committee" approach.

As for the WR group, we should expect things to remain top-heavy, with Jeudy operating as a fantasy WR2 and Moore as a low-end WR3.

Browns game status for Week 14:

Myles Harden, Juan Thornhill, Jamari Thrash are all listed as questionable.

Maurice Hurst, Sam Kamara, Cedric Tillman and Jed Wills are all out.

Related Players: Jerry Jeudy, Elijah Moore, David Njoku

Jeudy and Moore should continue to see more targets in a pass-heavy Jameis Winston-led offense. Jeudy should be considered a WR2, with Moore coming in as a low-end WR3.

According to multiple reports, the Bills are acquiring Amari Cooper from the Browns.

Buffalo will receive Cooper and a 2025 sixth-round pick while Cleveland will receive a 2025 third-round pick along with a 2026 seventh-round pick.

Related players: Josh Allen, Khalil Shakir, Keon Coleman, Curtis Samuel, Dalton Kincaid, Dawson Knox, Jerry Jeudy, Elijah Moore, Cedric Tillman, David Njoku

Cooper, 30, has caught 24 passes for 250 yards with two touchdowns this season. His fantasy production has been inconsistent so far, but that can probably be blamed on the poor play of quarterback Deshaun Watson. Last year Cooper finished with a line of 72-1,250-5, mostly without Watson under center. Cooper will eventually be locked in as the Bills WR1 and push players like Shakir, Coleman Kincaid and Knox further down the fantasy depth chart. It's easy to see Cooper having a chance to thrive with Allen as his QB. Meanwhile in Cleveland, Jeudy, Moore and Tillman will battle it out at the WR position with Njoku becoming more of a target at TE.

Browns run their first two-minute drills but without Deshaun Watson (rest day), Elijah Moore (walked off with trainer) and Jerry Jeudy (limited with knee). Winston vs second team D finds David Bell for diving TD.

Related Players: Elijah Moore, Jamari Thrash, Cedric Tillman

It doesn't seem like anything major but Jeudy certainly doesn't need any setbacks as we look for a bounce-back season in fantasy. He is currently a WR6 in 4for4's rankings.

The Browns receiver was not in attendance for Cleveland's Tuesday session and is subject to fines.

Head coach Kevin Stefanski said Cooper's absence was not excused.

"These situations, I understand that they do come up," Stefanski said. "I'll really leave all of that between Amari, Amari's agent and AB (general manager Andrew Berry) and those type of conversations. Again, as you guys know, we focus on guys that are here. We'll get some good work in and really keep it at that."

Related Players: Elijah Moore, Jerry Jeudy, Jamari Thrash

At 30 years old, there aren't many reasons for Cooper to miss time this season, so we assume this will be hashed out sooner rather than later. The Browns offense as a whole has plenty to prove this year, not least of all is their receiving room.

Still no Myles Garrett, Denzel Ward or DTR at today’s practice but Amari Cooper back after sitting out Wednesday with a rib injury.

Related Players: Elijah Moore, Cedric Tillman

All signs point towards Joe Flacco starting at quarterback, which can't necessarily be taken as a positive for Cooper. Flacco consistently fed his running backs while keeping the ball around the line of scrimmage in his five game with the Jets last season. Cooper shouldn't be considered more than a WR3.

Source: Browns WR Amari Cooper (groin) still was not feeling 100% ready to go this morning, but will give it a go in warmups today and go from there.

Related players: Amari Cooper, Elijah Moore, Donovan Peoples-Jones, Cedric Tillman, David Njoku

Cooper is still a game time decision, but was in pain this morning. If Cooper can't go, Moore and Peoples-Jones would likely suck up a bunch of the targets from the WR spot. The rookie Tillman could also get more involved, as could TE Njoku.