Josh Allen is set to take a preseason snap for the first time in more than two years, and he won’t be the only familiar face in the lineup when the Bills open against the Carolina Panthers on Saturday at new Highmark Stadium.
Bills coach Joe Brady said Thursday that Allen and Buffalo’s other healthy starters will play in the preseason opener.
"Everybody that's healthy is going to be playing out there on Saturday," Brady said Thursday.
That’s a noticeable shift from last year, when Allen didn’t appear in any preseason game under former Bills coach Sean McDermott. The veteran quarterback’s last preseason action came on Aug. 10, 2024, when he played one series against the Chicago Bears. He then sat out the final two preseason games that year and missed the entire preseason the year before that.
Allen sounded ready for the chance to get back out there.
"I'd love to play," Allen said Thursday. "Couldn't tell you how long or how many drives or what's the case there.
To get out there and get a good feeling and a good sense of the game and a good sense of the guys around me. I feel that's important to do."
Buffalo’s approach this summer has also included other offensive regulars being held out for all of the preseason. Running back James Cook, left tackle Dion Dawkins, tight end Dalton Kincaid and wide receiver Khalil Shakir all stayed on the sideline throughout the exhibition schedule in 2025.
Saturday’s game will also give Allen his first real look at a place he hasn’t had to adjust to before: the Bills’ new home field. Buffalo did hold the Return of the Blue & Red practice there last week, but the preseason opener will be Allen’s first game there against another team inside the $2.2 billion stadium.
Allen said there are still details he wants to get familiar with before the regular season arrives.
"Adaptability within the grass," Allen said. "Understanding where where the game clocks are.
The different lights. Light patterns make a difference for the receivers and punt returners, kick returners.
There's quite a few different variables out there and to get as comfortable as we can before we play in there is very beneficial for us."
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