Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott said that wide receiver Marquez Stevenson (foot) will miss several weeks after getting injured in training camp practice on Tuesday. It's another setback for Stevenson, who missed the early part of last season with an injury before returning and getting benched down the stretch. He was a bubble player this summer as it was, so this injury could dramatically alter his chances of making the team. Stefon Diggs, Gabriel Davis, Isaiah McKenzie, Jamison Crowder and rookie Khalil Shakir appear to be locks to make the roster, and special teams contributor Jake Kumerow looks like a strong bet to make the team as well. Stevenson didn't have a single target in his rookie season.
Of the Buffalo Bills players on the 53-man roster last year, wide receiver Marquez Stevenson faces the biggest battle to make the team again in 2022. The Bills were hoping he could seize the return-specialist role when he came back from Injured Reserve, but as a rookie, he didn't inspire much confidence with ball-security issues and he was inactive in both playoff games and the regular season finale. Stevenson is buried on the receiving depth chart and struggled with drops this spring. If he cannot turn it around and show a spark in the return game, the Bills might cut him and try to bring him back on the practice squad. Tavon Austin likely faces an uphill battle to make the team, and his best hope will be as a return specialist.
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Marquez Stevenson might be able to sneak his way up the depth chart before the regular season begins. Isaiah McKenzie (shoulder) is expected to be sidelined for a couple of weeks. Both Cole Beasley and Gabriel Davis are currently sidelined due to COVID protocols. That being said, the Bills could be somewhat shorthanded at wideout to begin the season. The sixth-round pick could find himself in possibly the No. 4 or 5 receiver role if things don't improve for Buffalo. He isn't worth the gamble in most fantasy formats, but could be someone worth monitoring in deep leagues.
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Marquez Stevenson is going to have an uphill battle for a roster spot. The rookie out of Houston is currently projected as a third or fourth string receiver and will likely end up on the practice squad. However, he looked solid during the preseason opener versus the Detroit Lions. Stevenson finished with three receptions and a team-high 50 receiving yards in the win. To be fair, it was against a bunch of backup players, but at least he played well. Sadly for Stevenson, he is buried on the depth chart, so he'll need a few more impressive outings before he starts moving up.
With the 203rd pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, the Buffalo Bills have selected Houston wide receiver Marquez Stevenson. Stevenson led the Cougars in receiving twice during his time in Houston, including 2018, when he caught 75 passes for 1,019 yards and nine touchdowns. Stevenson's big strength is his speed, which could pair nicely with quarterback Josh Allen and his strong arm if Stevenson is able to get on the field. That might not happen right away, but he could earn return-game snaps right away, where he'll get a chance to show off his electrifying speed.
Marquez Stevenson
• WR
•
Bills
