The Buffalo Bills kicked off their preseason opener against the New York Giants on August 9. While Bills quarterback Josh Allen took what turned out to be his only preseason snaps during the opener last year, he sat out against the Giants. Buffalo took a 34-25 loss in the meaningless exhibition game.
Allen remained sidelined during the Bills’ 38-0 preseason blowout loss to the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field, as well. Bills head coach Sean McDermott didn’t hold back on the team’s performance against Chicago.
“Certainly not up to our standards,” McDermott told reporters after the game. “I was looking forward to seeing some guys with the opportunity tonight step up, and didn’t sense that as much as I’d hoped.”
Players on the roster bubble have one more chance to impress McDermott during their preseason finale against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Saturday, August 23.
During a press conference on Thursday, August 21, McDermott outlined his game plan for Allen and the team’s starters ahead of their trip to Raymond James Stadium this weekend.
Bills QB Josh Allen Will Not Play In A Preseason Matchup For The First Time In His NFL Career
GettyBills quarterback Josh Allen at Highmark Stadium on August 09, 2025.
McDermott announced that Allen will not play against Tampa Bay on Saturday. This marks the first time in Allen’s career that he won’t take at least one snap in the preseason.
McDermott, however, is not worried about the veteran’s preparation for the 2025 NFL season and stood by the unexpected decision. “No. 1, that’s my job to adjust as need be,” McDermott explained. “You’ve got the reigning MVP, and I feel like he’s shown to this point that he’s in a good spot.
“Listen, he’s always going to want to play; that’s what competitive people want to do. But I have a responsibility to protect him and protect the team. I think he’s on schedule and… I feel good about where he is right now.”
However, it remains unclear which starters, if any, will play against the Bucs. “I’m anticipating not playing the 1s, but we’ll see where it goes,” he added. McDermott noted that decisions on who will play or not will be more on an individual basis, not a blanket group decision.
Josh Allen’s First Snap of 2025 Will Take Place Against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 1
GettyRavens quarterback Lamar Jackson and Bills quarterback Josh Allen embrace after the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Highmark Stadium on January 19, 2025.
As per usual, Allen will suit up with his teammates and take part in practice reps before Buffalo’s preseason finale. However, he won’t take his first snap until the Bills’ highly anticipated showdown against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 1 on September 7.
Buffalo kicks off the 2025 NFL season by hosting Lamar Jackson and Co. at Highmark Stadium on “Sunday Night Football.” Allen and the Bills narrowly defeated Baltimore 27-25 in the AFC divisional round during the playoffs last season.
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