Orchard Park, N.Y. (WGR Sports Radio 550) - The Buffalo Bills and Carolina Panthers will wrap up their preseason schedules on Saturday at Highmark Stadium.
Here are five things to watch:
1.) Joe Andreessen
This is becoming much more than just a "local kid could make the team" story.
Andreessen was terrific against the Pittsburgh Steelers' starting offense last Saturday, collecting 12 total tackles, including two for loss, and was seemingly always around the football.
Now he has a chance to back it up with another opportunity. If it’s anywhere close to the same kind of performance, the linebacker could very well find a way to the final 53-man roster next week.
2.) Daequan Hardy/return game
Hardy is another player with a big opportunity to try and close in on a 53-man roster spot.
The Bills have been giving him a long look as a punt returner. Some of it has gone pretty well, but he’s also made some questionable decisions fielding the ball.
Hardy has also done a solid job on defense, even playing on the boundary at times through training camp and preseason.
His play on both defense and as a returner on Saturday will go a long way in determining his fate on the roster.
3.) Offensive line
There are still a couple questions to be answered, as far as depth on the offensive line.
The starting five of Dion Dawkins, David Edwards, Connor McGovern, O’Cyrus Torrence, and Spencer Brown are set. Behind them, Ryan Van Demark and Alec Anderson are locks to make the roster. That's seven.
Anderson has been used the primary backup center, with Will Clapp and Sedrick Van Pran-Granger after that. But Clapp has been in concussion protocol this week. Do both make the roster?
La’el Collins and Tylan Grable are fighting for spots, too. It will be interesting to see how they are all used, and how they play.
4.) Safety
Even though Mike Edwards and Cole Bishop have returned to practice, neither will play Saturday. Damar Hamlin is also out, while Taylor Rapp will rest.
Terrell Burgess, who signed a couple weeks into training camp, strained his hamstring and may not be available. Cam Lewis, who plays safety and is the primary backup nickel cornerback, most likely either won’t play, or see limited action.
That leaves Kendall Williamson, Dee Delaney, and Kareem Jackson. With all the injuries, at least one of them may have a shot to stick on the roster with a solid performance.
5.) Tyler Bass
Bass has been inconsistent at training camp practices, but is 5-for-5 in two preseason games.
While he's not in any danger of not making the team, fans would love to see him continue to make some kicks, especially a couple longer ones.
It could go a long way for his confidence, as well.
