Bills' head coach leaves door open for Josh Allen reps in preseason game vs. Bears

The Buffalo Bills are devising a plan for their August 17 game against the Chicago Bears, and it may, or may not, include a few reps for QB Josh Allen

Aug 9, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) enters the field before a game against the New York Giants at Highmark Stadium. | Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

It's possible that Buffalo Bills' quarterback Josh Allen takes snaps during one the two remaining preseason games, but it doesn't seem likely.

Allen, the reigning NFL MVP, was held on the sideline for the entirety of the Bills' exhibition opener against the New York Giants on August 9. Now, the question becomes which route will Buffalo choose for Allen during the August 17 road game against the Chicago Bears.

According to head coach Sean McDermott, the decision will be made in the coming days.

“We'll see. I'm not there yet on it. I just want to, we've got a big practice today to get through. Then, tomorrow, and then as a staff, we'll talk about it some more at that point in time," said McDermott on Tuesday morning in Orchard Park.

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The Bills' QB1 has seen live game action every preseason since being drafted. Last year, he played eight snaps in the opener before sitting out the final two contests.

With Buffalo participating in a joint practice against the Chicago Bears prior to Sunday's preseason game, it seemingly alleviates any need for Allen to actually play in an exhibition contest.

“I think we are in a good spot. I think that going and practicing against somebody, when you're not live, I think those are good reps to get. It's practicing against somebody else. So, no, I don't think I need preseason reps," said Allen after Tuesday's practice.

Bills quarterback Josh Allen keeps his eyes on target James Cook who brakes into a crossing pattern during drills during day three of Buffalo Bills training camp at St. John Fisher University Friday, July 25, 2025 in Pittsford, NY. | Shawn Dowd/Rochester Democrat and Chronicle / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Even if deemed unnecessary, the 29-year-old Allen still won't turn down a chance to join his teammates in action.

RELATED: Sean McDermott excited for 'who can really get back' to Bills' practice this week

"If I were to get them [preseason game reps], I'd appreciate them, but I don't think it's a situation where we need to get out there," said Allen.

Following the visit to Chicago, the Bills will close out their preseason game schedule on the road against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on August 23.

Aug 9, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Mitchell Trubisky (11) sets to throw a pass against the New York Giants in the second quarter at Highmark Stadium. | Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

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