Orchard Park, NY . June 2026
The Buffalo Bills have suffered an unexpected setback as preparations for the 2026 season continue.
A veteran tight end signed to strengthen the depth chart is now facing an uncertain recovery timeline.
According to reports, the Bills have placed tight end Shane Zylstra on injured reserve following an injury sustained during OTA activities.
🚨 BREAKING: The Bills have placed veteran TE Shane Zylstra on Injured Reserve after suffering an injury during OTAs.
Zylstra signed with Buffalo just weeks ago and was expected to compete for a depth role behind Dawson Knox and Dalton Kincaid. pic.twitter.com/HWKFG3YJj6
— Nicole Blake (@nicol37705) June 2, 2026
The organization has not publicly disclosed the exact nature of the injury.
However, the decision to move him directly to injured reserve immediately raises concerns regarding his availability moving forward.
The news comes only weeks after Buffalo signed Zylstra in free agency.
The veteran agreed to a one-year contract worth $1.215 million and was expected to compete for a roster spot throughout training camp.
Buffalo targeted Zylstra because of his experience and versatility.
He entered the offseason as a candidate to provide depth behind Dawson Knox and Dalton Kincaid.
The coaching staff also expected him to contribute heavily on special teams.
Before arriving in Buffalo, Zylstra spent five seasons with the Detroit Lions.
During his time in Detroit, he appeared in 35 games while recording 18 receptions, 136 receiving yards, and four touchdowns.
His most recent season was limited by an ankle injury that restricted him to six appearances.
Even so, the Bills believed his experience could provide valuable depth at a critical position.
Instead, his first offseason in Buffalo has been interrupted by another injury setback.
His absence could create additional opportunities for younger tight ends competing for roster spots before training camp begins.
For Buffalo, losing an experienced veteran this early in the offseason is far from ideal.
For Shane Zylstra, the focus now turns toward rehabilitation and returning to the field as quickly as possible.
