The Buffalo Bills’ preseason opener against the Carolina Panthers may not mean much for established starters, but it could be pivotal for several players fighting for roster spots, starting jobs and game-day roles. Patrick Moran breaks down seven Bills with the most to gain—or lose—over the next three weeks, including position battles at linebacker, cornerback, safety, guard, swing tackle, backup quarterback and fullback.
Patrick also explains why he supports Joe Brady’s decision to play healthy starters in the first game at the new Highmark Stadium, shares the latest injury updates and previews expanded Buffalo Sabres coverage coming to Talking Buffalo.
Key Takeaways
- Keonta Jenkins has a legitimate roster opportunity. His defensive and special-teams performance could determine whether Buffalo keeps four or five off-ball linebackers, with Joe Andreessen currently listed ahead of him on the depth chart.
- Kani Walker remains an intriguing cornerback prospect. Although a lower-body injury is expected to keep him out of the preseason opener, his strong training camp could put him ahead of Toriano Pride Jr. and make him difficult to stash on the practice squad.
- Jalon Kilgore could reshape the safety room. A strong preseason from the fifth-round rookie may allow Buffalo to keep only four true safeties, potentially leaving Damar Hamlin and Geno Stone competing for one position.
- The offensive line still has two meaningful battles. Austin Corbett and Alec Anderson are competing for the starting left guard job, while Tylan Grable and rookie Jude Bowry are battling to become Buffalo’s primary swing tackle.
- Shane Buechele has a chance to win the backup quarterback role. Patrick believes Buechele has shown more upside than Kyle Allen and should earn the QB2 job if he clearly outperforms him during the preseason.
- Jackson Acker is the wild card. The undrafted fullback has shown quickness, dependable hands and growing offensive involvement, but special-teams production will be essential if he is going to beat out Ben VanSumeren.
Also Discussed
- Why preseason football matters far more to roster-bubble players than established starters
- Joe Brady’s plan to play healthy starters against Carolina
- The importance of getting comfortable inside the new Highmark Stadium
- Lower-body injuries affecting Connor McGovern, Ty Johnson, Skyler Bell, C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Cole Bishop, Maxwell Hairston and Kani Walker
- Jason Pominville and Thomas Vanek entering the Buffalo Sabres Hall of Fame
- Expanded Sabres coverage and live postgame reaction shows coming to Talking Buffalo
- A planned live reaction show following the Bills–Panthers preseason opener
- An upcoming Talking Buffalo recording at the Bills Mafia Babes event
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