Chicago, Illi. (WGR Sports Radio 550) - The Buffalo Bills face the Chicago Bears on Sunday at Soldier Field in the second preseason game for both teams.
Here are three things to watch for the game:
1.) Safety play
Bills head coach Sean McDermott has yet to reveal if his starters will or won't play on Sunday, but whether they do or not, the safety position will be critical to monitor.
The team just got both Taylor Rapp and Cole Bishop back from injuries. If they're on the field together, it's important to see the chemistry they're trying to develop.
If not, whoever is playing - and when - may tell us a lot about how the coaching staff feels about their depth, especially considering versatile defensive back Cam Lewis has missed time this week with a calf injury.
Damar Hamlin, Darrick Forrest, and Jordan Hancock are among the players trying to carve out a regular role on defense.
2.) Wide receiver battle
With just two games left in the preseason, the wide receiver depth chart still has some intrigue.
Khalil Shakir is expected to come back from his ankle injury before the regular season begins. Keon Coleman will be a big piece of the offense, and Joshua Palmer has been amping up his connection with Josh Allen lately.
Beyond those three, there are questions.
When will Curtis Samuel return, and will he even make the team considering his lack of availability?
Can Elijah Moore be the big-play, speedster they've been searching for?
Has Tyrell Shavers done enough to make the final 53-man roster?
We might have a little more clarity on all of that after this game.
3.) Returners
The Bills gave Laviska Shenault Jr. a punt return last Saturday against the New York Giants. He also looked good returning kicks and as a wide receiver.
Could he be challenging for a roster spot, and what would that mean for Brandon Codrington, who appears to be the top punt returner, but doesn't offer much as a defensive back option?
Is it possible both make the team given their specific skill-sets?
Seeing who gets the call on both kick and punt returns, and how they perform will be interesting.
