Charlotte, N.C. (WGR 550) - The Buffalo Bills will take on the Carolina Panthers on Friday night in the preseason finale for both clubs. The Bills will be looking for their 11th-straight preseason win along the way.
Here are five players and things to watch for while they attempt to do that:
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Punter Matt Araiza
On the heels of the civil lawsuit that was brought to light on Thursday naming Araiza - along with two others - alleging a gang-rape last year while he was playing college football for San Diego State University, followed by a statement released by the Bills, many people are wondering if he will still suit up and play in the game.
As of early Friday afternoon, the rookie is still with the team and expected to dress and play. Whether that changes or not remains to be seen.
Araiza recently won the full-time punting job over veteran Matt Haack, who was released this past week and then signed by the Indianapolis Colts.
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Is there a path for Blackshear?
Rookie running back Raheem Blackshear has looked very good in the preseason. He's been the team’s leading rusher through the first two exhibition games, totaling 69 yards on 11 carries, averaging 6.3 yards per-attempt and scoring a pair of touchdowns.
But is there a path for him to make the roster?
Devin Singletary and James Cook are obviously entrenched on the roster. It appears Zack Moss has secured his spot after a strong preseason. Taiwan Jones is a running back by trade, but more of a core special teams player. Fullback Reggie Gilliam isn't going anywhere after signing his contract extension.
Blackshear should get plenty of opportunities on Friday to see if he can force the team to find a spot for him in some capacity.
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Hodgins on special teams
We know wide receiver Isaiah Hodgins has had a good camp offensively. He's caught the ball and made big plays.
But with a wide receiver room as deep as the Bills, he's still not going to see many snaps if he makes the final 53-man roster. With that being said, he'd have to show he can offer plenty of special teams ability to justify the spot.
Hodgins has played 17 total special teams snaps through the first two preseason weeks. He'll have more chances to do that Friday night to show he can handle it and maybe earn a roster spot.
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Defensive back depth
The Bills had worked Nick McCloud at safety throughout the summer and into training camp. Recently, they've been doing the same with cornerback Cam Lewis.
With Tre'Davious White uncertain to be available to play Week 1, and maybe even beyond, that most likely opens the door to keep one extra cornerback on the roster. Whichever one of those offers more versatility might be the deciding factor.
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Tight (end) decisions
Will they keep two? Or three? Who is the odd man (or men) out?
There are some really interesting decisions that have to be made when it comes to the tight end position.
O.J. Howard signed as a free agent this offseason, but has not done enough to separate from Tommy Sweeney or Quintin Morris. He also carries a contract that would cost the team over $2.5 million in dead cap money if released.
Although not the exceptional athlete starter Dawson Knox is, Sweeney has excellent hands and does most everything pretty well. Morris has really stepped up his game throughout camp and preseason.
This is going to be a decision that goes down to the wire, and Friday night’s game may play a significant role in what happens.
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