Is Keon Coleman playing? The Bills' rookie went without a catch in the first half against the Jets

The Bills have relied heavily on their running game at times this season, but many expected James Cook's absence to impact their approach against the Jets on Monday.

After Buffalo nearly won last week despite Josh Allen dropping nine passes against the Texans, Cook's injury would mean pressure would increase on pass catchers Dalton Kincaid, Khalil Shakir and Keon Coleman.

Kincaid and Shakir got involved before the end of the first half, as did Mack Hollins and Curtis Samuel, but Coleman was strangely absent from the box.

Here's what you need to know about Coleman's status in the Bills' prime-time showdown with the Jets.

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Is Keon Coleman playing tonight?

Coleman is healthy and active for the Bills but was held without a catch or target in the first half.

Allen only completed one pass on Buffalo's opening drive, so it was a slow start overall for Bills pass-catchers. That was intentional, as OC Joe Brady recognized that his rushing attack was destroying the Jets' defense and stuck with it despite Cook's absence.

Allen began throwing the ball more as the half progressed, entering the halftime break with nine completions, but Coleman wasn't among them. The rookie was on the field for a fair amount of snaps, but Allen just didn't look his way as often as the Pro Bowl quarterback usually does.

Bills halftime WR snap count

Mack Hollins 29
Keon Coleman 23
Khalil Shakir 13
Marquez Valdes Scantling 11
Curtis Samuel 11

Of 36 pieces

— Nathan Jahnke (@PFF_NateJahnke) October 15, 2024

Coleman is a talented receiver in a Bills offense that lacks a true No. 1 pass catcher, but his usage has been inconsistent to this point in the season. He was targeted a total of two times in wins against the Dolphins and Jaguars before seeing his usage increase in losses against the Ravens and Texans.

Coleman caught just one of his five targets in last week's loss to the Texans, but that one reception was a 49-yard touchdown.

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Keon Coleman stats vs. Jets

Coleman didn't record a catch in the first half on “Monday Night Football,” threatening to make it his second game of the season without a catch.

The second-round rookie averages less than two catches per game, so his early effort hasn't been particularly inspiring to fantasy owners, including those who play in single-game DFS contests hoping for a “boom” performance.

The Bills allowed a Hail Mary touchdown at the end of the first half on Monday, so fantasy owners will be hoping the smaller lead forces Buffalo to keep throwing the ball in the second half.