Pittsburgh, Pa. (WGR 550) - The Buffalo Bills travel to Pittsburgh on Saturday to take on the Steelers in the second preseason game for both teams.
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Here's what to watch for:
1.) Starters playing
Bills head coach Sean McDermott announced this week that his starters, including quarterback Josh Allen, will play about a quarter-and-a-half of action.
The Steelers’ starters are also expected to play, which will be a rare and interesting starters vs. starters preseason game.
Obviously, the biggest concern is everyone staying healthy, as the Bills head towards the season opener against the New York Jets on Monday, Sept. 11 at MetLife Stadium.
2.) Middle linebacker
McDermott also said this week the unsettled middle linebacker position still needs improvement, and is an area of concern, particularly when it comes to all of the things that job entails. This includes communication and the overall leadership of the defense.
Terrel Bernard has been out with a hamstring injury, so he won’t have a shot to play in this one. That means Tyrel Dodson should have another big chance to show what he can do, and veteran A.J. Klein is also still in the mix.
3.) Isabella time
Wide receiver/return man Andy Isabella has been very impressive since joining the club back on July 28. He’s fighting for a roster spot on the 53-man roster come Week 1.
Isabella should have some chances to continue his strong camp and preseason, and needs to make the most of them to continue to keep his name in the conversation for a roster spot in Buffalo.
4.) Damar returns home
Last Saturday, Damar Hamlin played in his first live game since going into cardiac arrest in Cincinnati back on Jan. 2.
This Saturday, he returns to his hometown for the first time in his NFL playing career. Hamlin played high school football at Central Catholic, just a mile away from where he played his college football at the University of Pittsburgh.
He held his Chasing M’s charity softball game in his home city this summer. It will be another celebration of his return to the field, this time in front of many childhood family and friends.
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