Orchard Park, N.Y. (WGR 550) - The Buffalo Bills are on the road, as they get set to take on the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium for their second preseason game on the schedule.
After sitting out quarterback Josh Allen and wide receiver Stefon Diggs in the first preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts, head coach Sean McDermott confirmed before Thursday’s practice in Orchard Park that both starters, among others, will play, at least, a quarter against the Steelers.
McDermott wants to make sure his players are going to feel game-ready once the regular season comes around on Sept. 11 against the New York Jets.
"You want to get them ready in as much of a dress rehearsal as you can put them in to make sure they're ready to go,” said McDermott on Thursday.
With no decision yet on who will be the Bills’ starting middle linebacker, McDermott still feels there is room for improvement.
"I think we have to do a better job with leading the defense,” McDermott said. "We’ve got to do a better job with communication, execution. That's an area of concern right now."
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One of the bright spots during training camp and the preseason has been wide receiver Andy Isabella. In the first preseason game against the Colts, Isabella turned some heads with three receptions for 42 yards in the win.
McDermott has been impressed with his performance at camp, and plans to give him more opportunities come Saturday.
"We try to take a player like we've done before and say, 'Can they be the best versions of themselves here wearing the colors of the Buffalo Bills in our environment and our culture?’ He’s done a phenomenal job to this point,” McDermott said.
Hear more from McDermott's meeting with the media available in the player below:
