Skyler Bell was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the fourth round of this year’s draft, but has yet to see any time in the regular season. He has been a healthy scratch for every game so far, despite coaches and teammates praising his work ethic and talent.
The decision to scratch him is puzzling. Bell showed potential in the offseason, and the Bills’ passing game has been very shaky at times.
It’s time for Buffalo to give Bell a chance. He could bring the offense to another level and give Josh Allen another downfield threat.
Shades of Success
Bell’s dominance in college is often overlooked simply because he played outside of a Power Five conference. In his senior year at the University of Connecticut, Bell recorded 101 receptions for 1,278 yards and 13 touchdowns. He finished top five in the nation in all three categories.
After joining the Bills, Bell quickly caught attention. He became one of the biggest standouts of camp, showcasing his elite route running and versatility.
He suffered a groin injury in early August, which kept him sidelined for a few weeks. However, his return in Buffalo’s preseason finale quickly put him back in the spotlight. He caught seven receptions on 10 targets for 49 yards and had a 28-yard rushing touchdown.
If the groin injury hadn’t kept him out of the previous two preseason games, he likely would have had a better chance of being active for the first four games of the regular season.
Bell has done more than enough to deserve a chance to prove what he can do in regular season play.
Can’t Rely on D.J. Moore
One thing the first four games have shown Bills fans is that when D.J. Moore isn’t in the game, the pass game struggles.
In week two against the Detroit Lions, Moore left in the second quarter with a shoulder injury. Then in week four, the same injury flared up again, ending his day early once more.
In both cases, when Moore left the game, the other receivers couldn’t step up and fill the void.
The receiving room has been a problem for a while, and it’s clear when Moore is out. None of the other receivers possess the same deep-threat ability as Moore, but it’s an area where Bell excelled throughout his college career.
Moore’s injury is not believed to be long-term, but what happens if he gets hurt again? Furthermore, what happens if there’s a game where the defense locks him up?
Buffalo needs help in the wide receiver room, and Bell could be that guy. If they want to get more production out of the offense, they need to get Bell on the field immediately.
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