Keon Coleman Returns to the Field, and the Bills Are Hoping It’s Just the Beginning
Bills fans finally got a glimpse of Keon Coleman back on the field - and more importantly, back in the end zone - during Buffalo’s win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. After a turbulent November that saw the second-year wideout benched in Week 11 and sidelined the following game, Coleman’s return marked a step in the right direction, even if the box score didn’t jump off the page.
Coleman was targeted three times against Pittsburgh, catching two passes for just nine yards. Modest numbers, sure.
But this wasn’t about the stat line - it was about presence. For a team still working to solidify its receiving corps heading into the final stretch of the season, getting Coleman back in the mix was a necessary move.
And according to team sources, the Bills believe he’s trending upward.
“It’s a professionalism thing - but he’s going to be OK. We need him,” a source told ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
That’s the kind of sentiment that speaks volumes. The Bills never considered cutting ties with their 2024 second-round pick, even during the midseason drama.
Coleman was held out of Week 12 due to the short turnaround, not because of any lingering discipline issues. That’s an important distinction - one that suggests the team still sees real value in him.
Snap Counts Down, But Opportunity Remains
Coleman logged 33 snaps against the Steelers, the fourth-most among Buffalo wide receivers - and the fewest he’s played in any game this season where he’s seen the field. That tells us he’s still working his way back into a bigger role. But the opportunity is there, and with five regular season games left plus a potential playoff run, there’s time for Coleman to re-establish himself as a key piece of the offense.
Let’s not forget how this season started. Back in Week 1 against the Ravens, Coleman looked every bit the breakout candidate - 11 targets, 8 catches, 112 yards, and a touchdown.
That performance felt like a statement. But in the three weeks that followed, he saw just 11 more targets combined, and his role started to shrink.
Since then, he’s been on the fringe of the starting rotation, never quite reclaiming that early-season momentum.
Still, despite the ups and downs, Coleman has already matched his rookie-year touchdown total and improved his efficiency - more receptions on fewer targets. That’s not nothing.
But the big hurdle remains consistency. And to be fair, that’s not just a Coleman issue - it’s a Bills-wide problem.
The Bigger Picture in Buffalo’s Passing Game
Buffalo still ranks in the top 10 in passing offense, but it hasn’t felt like a true strength in recent weeks. With tight end Dalton Kincaid missing time and no clear-cut WR1 emerging, Josh Allen has had to spread the ball around more than ever. That’s created opportunities, but it’s also highlighted the lack of a go-to guy when the game is on the line.
That’s where Coleman could come in - if he can recapture some of that Week 1 magic. He’s got the size, the hands, and the athleticism to be a real difference-maker on the outside.
What he needs now is rhythm, trust, and reps. The Bills aren’t asking him to be Stefon Diggs overnight.
They’re asking him to be reliable - to show up, get open, and make plays when his number’s called.
And the schedule might just be working in his favor. Up next is a Cincinnati Bengals defense that’s giving up more passing yards than any team in the league. If there’s a week to get Coleman back on track, this is it.
The Bills are still very much in the playoff hunt, and every game from here on out matters. If Coleman can turn the corner and become a steady contributor down the stretch, it could be the difference between a one-and-done postseason or a deep run.
The talent is there. Now it’s about putting it all together - and doing it when it counts most.