Orchard Park, N.Y. (WGR Sports Radio 550) - The Buffalo Bills open their 2024 preseason schedule on Saturday against the Chicago Bears at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park.
Here are five things to watch for:
1.) Josh Allen and Caleb Williams
We know now that quarterback Josh Allen and the rest of the starting offense will play, at least, a little bit. It’s always tough for any coach to weigh getting reps versus the risk of injury.
Bills head coach Sean McDermott wants to see Allen work with several new faces, and get a largely new group into a rhythm and playing in a real-game environment. Many fans will be hoping they are efficient so they can exit quickly and healthy.
The Bears have also announced that this year's No. 1 overall draft pick, Caleb Williams, will start and make his professional football debut. That's a pretty cool thing for Bills fans to see.
2.) Wide receiver battles
Along with the starting offense will come several different wide receivers who should get a crack at playing with Allen.
The top-four seem pretty set: Curtis Samuel, Khalil Shakir, Keon Coleman, and Mack Hollins.
After that, Tyrell Shavers is making a really strong case to make the team. In addition, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, K.J. Hamler, Andy Isabella, and several others will be looking to make an impression.
3.) Kaiir Elam
Elam put together a really strong training camp on the heels of a nice spring of OTAs and minicamp. He’s been getting work with the first-team offense, rotating with Christian Benford.
If Elam can be a solid backup, that would be a very big boost for the Bills. He needs to show he can be consistent and reliable when he gets opportunities in the preseason.
4.) The safeties
Both Mike Edwards and Cole Bishop are injured, giving Damar Hamlin an opportunity to start opposite Taylor Rapp.
Hamlin has made the most of it so far, playing steady and solid football through OTAs, minicamp, and into training camp. But he’s never had to be a full-time starter.
Behind him, the Bills are currently very thin, having to recently sign veterans Kareem Jackson and Terrell Burgess. It’s a position that will need a lot of reps from several different players who may have to be called upon at some point.
5.) Kickoffs
This will be the first opportunity to see how the Bills approach the new kickoff and kick return rules. Whatever they decide to do, it’s going to be fun and interesting to watch it play out.
