Bills WR Tyrell Shavers reflects on Marshawn Kneeland's death while defending Keon Coleman from facing backlash

Tyrell Shavers urged empathy while speaking about the scrutiny surrounding Buffalo wide receiver Keon Coleman this week.

Shavers stepped into a larger role after Coleman was removed from the lineup for internal disciplinary reasons in Week 11. Coleman did not suit up during the Bills' 44-32 victory over Tampa Bay following his late arrival to a team meeting on Friday.

Shavers addressed the reaction directed at his teammate on Wednesday.

"I just want to say he's not perfect," Shavers said, via the "Up & Adams" show. "He is human. At the end of the day, we all are human. Everybody makes mistakes. He's learning from them. And he's young at this. Like, we got to remember that he's young.

"I think, like, just previous situations, going back to the Marshawn Kneeland situation, like, everybody rip to him as well, like, mental health is real, and everybody is like, bashing him, talking about him, like, I'm not saying he's in a bad spot or anything, but also, let's just remember that he's human at the same time, and he will, he will learn from these mistakes."

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"That's my dog... he definitely supports me, even though things aren't going his way." Bills WR Tyrell Shavers on his brotherly relationship with Keon Coleman @rell4six | @keoncoleman6 | @BuffaloBills | @heykayadams

Marshawn Kneeland died on Nov. 6 reportedly due to a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Teammates honored him with helmet decals bearing his No. 94 in their 33-16 win against the Raiders on Monday.

Tyrell Shavers maximizes expanded opportunity during Keon Coleman's benching

Tampa Bay Buccaneers v Buffalo Bills - NFL 2025 - Source: Getty

Tyrell Shavers responded to his increased workload with a breakout performance, catching four passes for 90 yards and scoring his first touchdown this season.

Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady highlighted that he embraced responsibility when circumstances shifted. He also praised Shavers' consistency in preparation and his willingness to contribute beyond receiving statistics.

Keon Coleman’s availability for Thursday'smatchup in Houston remains undecided. Buffalo coach Sean McDermott said on Tuesday that he appreciated how Coleman addressed the situation publicly. He emphasized the importance of rebuilding trust through sustained daily effort.

Before the suspension decision, Coleman participated in 71% of offensive snaps, although his workload could decline as personnel usage evolves.