Josh Allen and Bills starters will play in preseason opener

PITTSFORD, N.Y. (WIVB) — Quarterback Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills starters will play about a quarter of Saturday's preseason opener, coach Sean McDermott said before the team's final practice of training camp at St. John Fisher University.

Allen did not play in last year's preseason opener. But after the offense struggled in the second exhibition game, he made an appearance in the preseason finale. Allen said after Wednesday's practice that he does not feel like getting on the field in exhibition games makes much of a difference in his preparation for the regular season at this point in his career.

"To get things rolling would be nice but I understand not getting out there and making sure that we’re being healthy and being protective," Allen said. "Again, it’s a double-edged sword any way you look at it. If I’m asked to play, I’ll play. If I’m told not to play, I won’t play. So, the competitive juices in me want to play, but I understand Week 1, we still got some time."  

The Bills host No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears at 1 p.m. Saturday. McDermott said that new defensive coordinator Bobby Babich will call the plays in Saturday's game. But the coach has not yet determined if Babich will be the primary playcaller during the regular season, or if McDermott will retain the responsibility he held last season.