Orchard Park, N.Y. (WGR 550) - The Buffalo Bills will finally play an opponent other than themselves when they hit the field for their first preseason game of 2023 on Saturday against the Indianapolis Colts at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park.
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Here are five things to watch for this game:
Rookie draft class
It's always interesting to see rookies play in their first-ever NFL game, especially in front of the home crowd.
For the Bills, tight end Dalton Kincaid had an excellent training camp after the team traded up and selected him in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Second round pick O’Cyrus Torrence is battling for the starting right guard job.
Linebacker Dorian Williams and wide receiver Justin Shorter are looking to carve out rolls for themselves, while offensive guard Nick Broeker and cornerback Alex Austin are trying to make the final 53-man squad.
Quarterback Anthony Richardson, the fourth overall pick in this year's draft, is expected to start for the Colts.
Middle linebacker
Unfortunately, Terrel Bernard has a hamstring injury and most likely won't play. He's been in a battle with Tyrel Dodson for the Bills' starting middle linebacker spot.
Now it will be up to Dodson to show he can handle being the man in the middle of the defense, including calling the defensive signals.
Baylon Spector may see some time there, as well, especially with the injury to Bernard.
Cornerback
There's a three-way battle going on for the starting cornerback spot opposite Tre'Davious White. Dane Jackson, Kaiir Elam, and Christian Benford are all vying for that spot.
None has really separated themselves through training camp and it appears to still be wide open. How each of them performs on Saturday could have a big say in what the next step is for the decision-making process.
Punt and kick returner
With the injury to Nyheim Hines, the Bills have an opening at both returners. Wide receivers Deonte Harty and Khalil Shakir are both very viable options and either could be back there in the regular season.
Andy Isabella is looking to find a way to secure a spot on the 53-man roster, and his return ability will most likely be looked at, as well.
Defensive line
The Bills will have some really interesting decisions to make along the defensive line, including end and tackle. The numbers most likely don't match the amount of players they'd like to keep, even with Von Miller still on the Physically Unable to Perform list and possibly starting the regular season there.
There are several players who won't just be playing to make the Bills 53-man roster, but wanting to play well enough to be on other teams’ radars in case they don’t make it in Buffalo.
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