What to Expect from the Buffalo Bills First Preseason Game
The Bills’ training camp wrapped up today in Rochester, New York, and these players are ready to hit the field. The team kicks off their first preseason game against the New York Giants this Saturday at 1 p.m. EST. Throughout camp, we saw many position battles and a few early injuries. Here is what to expect as the Bills suit up in their first preseason debut.
Head coach Sean McDermott announced that star quarterback Josh Allen will sit out the preseason opener. This gives second-string QB Mitch Trubisky a chance to show what he can do under center. Trubisky currently holds the number two spot on the depth chart and already has some experience playing in Buffalo. Last season, the QB suited up for nine games and even allowed zero sacks. However, the team's current third-string quarterback, Mike White, had a top-notch performance at training camp and is giving the vet a run for his money. Both are likely to see playing time in the game this Saturday as they continue to compete for that backup role.
McDermott also announced that most starters will be playing around one quarter of the game. A battle to watch closely is at wide receiver. Second-year Keon Coleman is slotted in the WR1 spot, with Khalil Shakir close behind him. Shakir faced a high ankle sprain during training camp and is likely to miss all three of the Bills’ preseason games. This opens the door for Coleman, along with other backups Curtis Samuel and Joshua Palmer, to showcase their skills. All three have had consistently strong performances at training camp.
Special teams are also stepping up to the plate this preseason. With the Bills’ starting kicker, Tyler Bass, sidelined for a pelvic injury, there is much speculation about who will step in and take over kicking duties. Cole Murphy is next in line and will likely be in the spotlight this preseason, competing with Bass for a larger role. These next few games will also give return specialist Isaiah Mackenzie a chance to showcase his skills; many are expecting him to fulfill a larger role in kickoff and punt returner tasks.
