Is Amari Cooper Injured or Playing In Week 10? Should I Start Khalil Shakir For Fantasy Football?

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Amari Cooper (wrist) missed last week's game with a wrist injury, and it's unclear whether he will play in Week 10. The former Cleveland Brown had an explosive debut with his new team after being traded -- he caught four of five passes for 66 yards and a touchdown in Week 7.

However, he was quite in Week 8, catching just one of his two targets for three yards. It's possible this was to help him manage his injury, and he could have picked it up during the game.

So, is Cooper hurt or playing in Week 10? And should you start his teammate, WR Khalil Shakir?

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Is Amari Cooper Playing In Week 10?

It's looking like he won't take the field tomorrow. While his status hasn't been confirmed by the team, they elevated a receiver from the practice squad to the active roster on Saturday. Teams tend to do this when they believe one of their active roster receivers can't play, and that's likely Cooper.

The Bills WR activity casts serious doubt that Amari Cooper can play tomorrow.

They signed Jalen Virgil to the 53 and also promoted Tyrell Shavers and KJ Hamler.

— Mike Clay (@MikeClayNFL) November 9, 2024

He could still take the field, but it seems that his wrist issue hasn't healed up. He's been limited at practice all week. Though he's been reportedly expected to play by some news outlets, the team's actions suggest otherwise.

WR Amari Cooper says the biggest hurdle for him to overcome in terms of getting back on the field after missing this past week’s game against MIA is pain management. Still has his injured wrist heavily wrapped as seen midway through this video #Bills #BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/871GzUGCcy

— alex brasky (@alexbrasky) November 7, 2024

He's also been wearing a heavy wrap on his wrist at practice. Things aren't looking good. Fantasy managers will need to check the final list of active players, which is released 90 minutes before kickoff at the latest. The Bills will play the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday at 1:00 PM ET.

Should I Start Khalil Shakir for Fantasy Football Week 10?

Yes. This decision really shouldn't have anything to do with Cooper's status anyway. Shakir is a solid WR3/FLEX in PPR and a decent start in standard leagues. He's quarterback Josh Allen's favorite target, and he has excellent hands - the best in the league this year, in fact.

Highest single season catch rate by a WR since 1992 when targets first began being tracked (min. 40 targets)

1. 2024 Khalil Shakir (93.3%)
2. 2023 Khalil Shakir (86.7%)

— Ian Hartitz (@Ihartitz) November 6, 2024

He's also a great route-runner and fills in a very valuable slot receiver role. In addition, WR Keon Coleman (wrist) is suffering from a wrist ailment, just like Cooper, and the rookie has been declared "Out" for Sunday's game. Shakir could be in line for more targets than usual, and is a good start.

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