Bills Rookie WR Skyler Bell Reveals Groin Injury, Provides Update on Timeline

Skyler Bell has been sidelined since early August, and recently explained what injury he's dealing with.

Buffalo Bills WR Skyler Bell turns up the field after a catch across them middle during the opening day of training camp at St. John Fisher University. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Rookie wide receiver Skyler Bell joined the Buffalo Bills with plenty of intrigue this offseason. The fourth-round pick out of Connecticut not only had an impressive final collegiate season, but his skill set made him a perfect fit in Joe Brady's scheme.

It was never going to be easy for him to make a huge impact during his first season with D.J. Moore, Khalil Shakir, Keon Coleman, and Joshua Palmer all entering training camp ahead of him on the depth chart. It has become even more difficult for him now that he has been sidelined since suffering an injury on August 8.

The Bills have been quiet about what Bell was going through, but he recently revealed that he has been dealing with a groin injury. While speaking to Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic, Bell said he put pads on during the joint practice with the Cleveland Browns, but did so just to get the feeling again. He still isn't ready to return, and admitted the mental part of dealing with an injury has been the toughest.

“I was super, super frustrated,” Bell said. “You dream all the time to be in this position, and you work so hard to get here, and it’s taken away from you. So you just try not to take things for granted. I was glad to be back out here running a little bit with the pads on, having my helmet on in here. So, it felt good.”

Bell said that he's not likely to play in their preseason Week 2 matchup with the Browns, which is unsurprising given that he has yet to fully practice.

When will Skyler Bell return to practice?

Bills WR Skyler Bell pulls in a pass in the end zone during day four of Buffalo Bills training camp at St. John Fisher University. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

While Bell hasn't been cleared to return, there are reasons for optimism. As Buscaglia reports, Thursday's practice was the first time since suffering his injury that Bell was seen working with the coaching staff during practice.

Bell also said that he has a goal of being on the field for the preseason finale, which is against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday, August 27. With the short turnaround following Saturday's game against Cleveland, Buffalo will have limited time to practice.

That said, it wouldn't be surprising to see him out there when the team begins to practice again early next week. If he's not able to participate, it would be difficult for him to meet his goal of playing against Pittsburgh.

— Sign up for OnSI’s Free Buffalo Bills Newsletter —