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5h ago

Bills Sit Josh Allen for Entire Preseason as McDermott Shifts Focus to Roster Calls

Coach Sean McDermott cites player protection as the priority, with the finale serving as a depth audition.

Aug 17, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) leads the team during warmups before a preseason game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images/File Photo
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The crowd cheers and hold out their hands as Josh Allen runs around the stadium high-fiving everyone before leaving. Players signed autographs for fans and hung out with their family after the Return of the Blue & Red practice at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park on Aug.1, 2025. Tina MacIntyre-Yee/Democrat and Chronicle / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Overview

  • McDermott confirmed Josh Allen will not play against the Buccaneers on Saturday, making this the first preseason the MVP quarterback sits out entirely.
  • Buffalo is weighing participation for other starters on a case-by-case basis, with McDermott saying he is anticipating not playing the 1s.
  • Competition remains open at safety next to Taylor Rapp, with second-year Cole Bishop set for more reps after struggling in the 38-0 loss to Chicago as he competes with Damar Hamlin.
  • The receiver hierarchy beyond top options Khalil Shakir, Keon Coleman and Joshua Palmer is unsettled, with Curtis Samuel just back practicing and Shakir expected to resume practice next week after a high ankle sprain.
  • Practice discipline and health are under review after the offense was made to run sprints for pre-snap penalties, starting corner Tre'Davious White was carted off with a leg injury with no update, and new receiver Grant DuBose was carted off with an upper-body issue.