Orchard Park, N.Y. (WGR 550) - With the final preseason game of the 2023 schedule coming up Saturday in Chicago, the question heading into the game was will the starters play against the Bears at Solider Field?
The answer, according to Bills head coach Sean McDermott, is yes.
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"It's just what I feel like is best for the team right now," said McDermott on Thursday in Orchard Park. "Every preseason is a little bit different based on where guys are and where the team is, so they're going to play this week. I feel like it's best for where we're at right now."
McDermott did not clarify how long the starters will play on Saturday.
A handful of players were not set to take part during Thursday's practice, according to McDermott. Among those not practicing included guard Connor McGovern, quarterback Matt Barkley, linebacker Terrel Bernard, wide receiver Khalil Shakir, running back Jordan Mims and linebacker Dorian Williams.
As for McGovern, he left the practice field early on Wednesday with a knee injury, but never actually stepped off and into the locker room for further evaluation. McDermott was not sure what his long-term status would be.
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"We'll see how it goes," McDermott said. "Right now, it's too early to tell just how he's gonna come back from it. We'll see how he does here."
With Bernard still being out of practice, McDermott feels it gives other players that are still in the mix for the middle linebacker competition some extra reps. He was also impressed with the middle linebackers on Wednesday, and says the competition will continue going forward.
Hear more from McDermott's meeting with the media available in the player below:
