We are just over 24 hours away from the Buffalo Bills taking the field for their first preseason game, where they will host the Carolina Panthers. It will be the first time this summer where the Bills will get the chance to hit other players rather than each other. Carolina is coming off a thrilling Hall of Fame game win over the Arizona Cardinals, so they have already had their first test.
Earlier this week, it was reported that Panthers head coach Dave Canales announced that the plan is for the starters for his team to get some playing time. It not only makes sense for the starters to get some playing time, but it also gives them a chance to get any rust off that they may have.
While we knew about the Panthers’ plans, we were still wondering whether or not the Bills would do the same thing or just play it safe and play only the backups. However, head coach Joe Brady has made his decision and it’s definitely the right one.
Bills set to play everyone that is healthy on Saturday vs. Panthers
Per Maddy Glab, Brady told the media on Thursday “the plan for Saturday’s preseason game is if you’re healthy, you’re playing”. This is an absolutely great move by Brady.
#Bills HC Joe Brady says the plan for Saturday’s preseason game is if you’re healthy, you’re playing
— Maddy Glab (@MadGlab) August 13, 2026
Last year, we didn’t see the starters play a lot in the preseason, especially in the beginning. Holding out the starters definitely helps out in terms of the injury factor, but it also limits them from physicality before the regular season which can play a role into injuries later on, or even just having some rust.
After announcing that the plan is basically to have everyone play, Glab would then report that Brady said he "wants to see guys tackle, finish the play..." and also added the factor of their being a lot more new pieces and that this is a great time to see it all come together.
Playing everyone is a great start to Bills' preseason
First, it’s a chance for Bills Mafia to see everyone from the starters to the backups to play. Even though they may only see the starters play for a drive, maybe two, it’s better than nothing. It will give us a great insight on what could be coming in the regular season.
However, we all know that the preseason is all about evaluating the players on the roster to see who will be making the final 53-man roster come September. Tomorrow is the start to finally see how the roster is shaping out, and get a better idea on who will be on the roster once the regular season starts.
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