Allen wouldn't mind getting some preseason action

Orchard Park, N.Y. (WGR Sports Radio 550) - Saturday's first preseason game of the season will open the Buffalo Bills' brand new Stadium, as the Carolina Panthers come to town.

Ahead of practice on Thursday, Bills head coach Joe Brady confirmed that his quarterback Josh Allen and other healthy starters will play in the preseason opener.

"It’s our first opportunity for us to come together and show an example of what the Buffalo Bills are about. I think that’s important,” said Brady.

Brady isn't going to be real forthcoming when it comes to injuries, but he did talk a little about playing time for Saturday.

"We have a practice today, and we're going pads, so things could change after today's practice," Brady said.

There are things Brady is going to be watching for, even though they won't be game planning.

"We get and opportunity to go into the stadium, and I want to see how do we respond from the red/blue practice, getting that pregame routine and going out there. And I want to see guys get hit, I want to see guys tackle, I want to see the finishing of the play," Brady said.

"This is NFL football, and guys are fighting for their lives. There's a physicality, and if you just dip your toe in, that's when I think bad things happens. So if we're out there, we're going."

Talking injuries, Brady was not willing to give much clarity on the extent of some injured players.

"We haven't had timetables or expectations of how that works, and the training room has done a great job as we are pushing guys to go. But we have to understand there's a physical toll of training camp, injuries are going to happen. But to say, 'This guy is going to be out how many week,' I don't feel comfortable saying that," Brady admitted.

Brady did confirm that center Connor McGovern, safety Cole Bishop and cornerback Maxwell Hairston are dealing with lower-body injuries. Not practicing on Thursday were McGovern, Bishop, Hairston, wide receiver Skyler Bell, running back Ty Johnson and cornerback Kani Walker. Safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson was doing some early work with the defensive backs, but didn't practice after that.

Following Thursday's practice in Orchard Park, Allen said he doesn't know if and when he's playing this preseason, but he'd like to get some action in.

"I'd love to play. I couldn't tell you how long or how many drives, but to get out there and get a good feeling and a good sense of the game, get a good sense of the guys around me, I feel like that's important to do," Allen said on Thursday. "I don't know if that's Game 1, 2 or 3, and if I play or not is up to coach Brady."

Everything, of course, is new for Allen and the Bills in their new home.

"It's a new environment, new routine, and we want to make this as real game-like as possible," the veteran quarterback said. "But to have those reps before the first game when we have it here on Thursday night [against the Lions], and just understanding the process behind everything and not being surprised by anything new."

There are so many things the players need to get used to, especially if you're the quarterback.

"Adaptability with the grass or turf, whatever field is out there, understanding where the play clocks and the game clocks are, different lights - the light patterns make a difference for the receivers and returners. There's quite a few different variables out there, and to get as comfortable as we can before we play in there is very beneficial for us."

Brady also said Thursday that offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael will be in the booth, but at some point in the preseason, he'll also be on the field. As the quarterback, Allen feels it makes no difference to him where the offensive coordinator is located.

"Most of the conversations you're having on the sidelines are with the quarterback coach (Bo Hardegree)," Allen acknowledged. "But I just want to say too, Pete Carmichael is frigging awesome. I love the guy. He's been great for our room, the energy that he brings each and every day, the wisdom that he brings. And to be around him and have someone that's been around greatness like that (Hall of Famer Drew Brees) is awesome in the room."

Saturday's preseason opener kicks off at 1 p.m. from Orchard Park.