Orchard Park, NY (WGR Sports Radio 550) - Josh Allen didn’t play Saturday in the Buffalo Bills' preseason opener against the New York Giants. It is still unknown whether or not the Bills' starting quarterback will play Sunday in Chicago against the Bears, or for that matter in the preseason at all.
It seems like Allen wouldn’t mind playing, but he trusts head coach Sean McDermott to make the right decision. Allen says it’s not essential for him to play to be ready for the regular season.
"I think I’m in a good spot," he said following Tuesday's practice in Orchard Park. "I think that going and practicing against somebody [Friday in Chicago] when we’re not live, I think those are good reps to get. So no, I don’t think I need preseason reps, but if I were to get them, I’d appreciate them. But I don’t think it’s a situation where I need to get out there."
Bills running back James Cook ended his "hold-in" at training camp for, at least, one day, as he participated fully at practice with his teammates on Tuesday. Allen was happy to see him out there, but knows they all have to be able to separate the business part of the game, but still support their teammates.
"I know both sides thought that what they’re doing is the right thing, but we were very happy to have ‘Jimbo’ out there today," he said. "I trust in Beane and what he’s going to get done, and we’re just very happy he’s out there with us right now."
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Training camp is a very important time for the Bills. McDermott is concerned that some of the injured players like cornerback Max Hairston and safety Cole Bishop are falling behind.
"Just have him out there and getting those reps, and making sure he’s getting ready to go for Game 1. We have no doubts that he wouldn’t be ready, but to be out there with the guys, sweating and battling with the guys," Allen said of Cook.
It used to be that when two different teams practiced against each other, it turned into a brawl fest. McDermott tells his players he will not put up with that, and Allen says those days are over.
"You get the opportunity to see new looks, go against different guys, and I think everybody knows about that these types of practices, sometimes they can get a little chippy, and we’re not looking to go out there and fight. We are looking to go out there and compete, and get those competitive juices flowing. That’s always fun for me, but we have to be smart with what we’re doing in practice, and making sure we’re protecting one another.
"It’s not the same defensive system that we go up against each and every practice, which is great because our defense has been one of the best units in the league in the last so many years."
The Bills will have one more practice in Orchard Park on Wednesday before leaving for Chicago on Thursday.