Buffalo Bills wide receiver DJ Moore appears to have avoided a serious injury after leaving Thursday night's 41-31 victory over the Detroit Lions with a shoulder problem.
Moore suffered the injury late in the second quarter while diving for a pass from quarterback Josh Allen in the end zone. He landed hard on his left shoulder and remained on the ground while trainers came onto the field.
Moore eventually walked off the field with members of the Bills' medical staff. He was taken to the locker room for X-rays and was initially listed with a shoulder injury and a stinger. Buffalo later ruled him out for the remainder of the game.
The first update Friday brought better news.
NFL Network reported that Moore is believed to have suffered an AC joint sprain. The injury is not considered serious although his availability for Buffalo's next game remains uncertain.
ESPN also reported that doctors do not consider the injury serious and that Moore is currently day to day. A source told ESPN that Moore has a chance to play next week but his return is not guaranteed.
The Bills are scheduled to face the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 3 on September 27.
Moore's injury happened with less than three minutes remaining in the second quarter. Buffalo was already leading Detroit when Allen attempted to connect with Moore near the back of the end zone.
Moore stretched out for the pass before landing awkwardly on his shoulder and collarbone area. The play also included a holding penalty against Bills tight end Dawson Knox.
Allen threw a touchdown pass to Dalton Kincaid shortly afterward as Buffalo continued building its first-half lead.
Head coach Joe Brady said after the game that he did not yet have an update on Moore's condition. The team received more encouraging information after additional evaluation Friday.
Moore did not catch a pass before leaving the game. His only offensive statistic was a rushing attempt that lost one yard.
The quiet performance came after an impressive debut with Buffalo.
Moore caught five passes for 100 yards and a touchdown in the Bills' season-opening victory over the Houston Texans. He immediately became one of Allen's major receiving targets after joining Buffalo during the offseason.
The Bills acquired Moore from the Chicago Bears as part of an offseason trade. Buffalo added the veteran receiver to strengthen a passing attack that already includes Kincaid, Joshua Palmer and Keon Coleman.
Moore spent the previous three seasons in Chicago. He played 51 games for the Bears and finished his time there with 244 receptions for 3,012 yards and 20 touchdowns. He had 50 catches for 682 yards and six touchdowns during the 2025 season.
Before Chicago, Moore spent five seasons with the Carolina Panthers. Carolina selected him with the 24th overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.
Moore has developed a reputation for durability during his NFL career. His ability to remain on the field has made the initial report that the shoulder injury is not serious especially important for Buffalo.
The Bills also dealt with an injury scare involving receiver Keon Coleman during Thursday's game. Coleman briefly left with an apparent ankle problem but was able to return.
Buffalo did not allow the injuries to slow down its offense against Detroit. The Bills scored 41 points and improved to 2-0 while opening their new stadium with a victory.
Moore's status will now be one of the team's main injury stories heading into Week 3.
An AC joint sprain involves the joint where the collarbone meets the highest part of the shoulder blade. Recovery time varies depending on the severity of the injury.
For now, the Bills have not ruled Moore out against the Chargers.
The early reports indicate that Buffalo avoided the worst-case scenario and that Moore could return without an extended absence.