Bills vs. Steelers Preseason Preview: 1st Look at Josh Allen, Starters
The Buffalo Bills travel to play the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday night in the second of their three preseason games in what coach Sean McDermott is calling a “dress rehearsal.”
Buffalo starters, including quarterback Josh Allen, are set to play for the first time this preseason. McDermott said Allen and the rest of the starters will play for about a quarter and a half.
"It's to get them ready for the season," McDermott said. "We took a little bit of a different approach last year. This year, we're going back to what we've somewhat done in the years past ... Just trying to do right by the players and getting them ready to go for Week 1."
It might just be perfect timing to face someone besides their own team.The Bills had one of their most heated practices this week in which a fight broke out.
This matchup is also highlighted by a deeper look at preseason standouts and position battles at receiver, backup quarterback and middle linebacker. Kyle Allen and Matt Barkley are competing for QB2 and will see time against Pittsburgh.
After Week 1, offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey reiterated the importance of giving Allen and Barkley equal opportunity to compete.
“I know that Matt’s numbers were, what they were, and he did a great job. But at the end of the day, really both of them graded out very similar,” Dorsey said. “I think they both came in were and very effective for us.”
Buffalo's many roster hopefuls try to earn their spot before Tuesday, Aug. 29, when every NFL team must reduce its roster to 53 players. Buffalo's 16-player practice squad will then begin to form.
RECORDS: Buffalo Bills (1-0 preseason) at Pittsburgh Steelers (1-0 preseason)
ODDS: Buffalo is a 2.5-point underdog vs. the Steelers.
GAME TIME: Saturday, Aug. 19 2023 at 6:30 p.m. ET
LOCATION: ACRISURE STADIUM - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
TV/RADIO: CBS, WGR 550
THE FINAL WORD: Damar Hamlin played his first game back on the field since his cardiac arrest on Jan. 2 and finished with three tackles.
"It was super fun," Hamlin said of his first game back. "It was a great experience. Just another milestone and a step up just getting back to myself as far as in the football space and in the NFL."
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