The Buffalo Bills are closing out their 2026 NFL preseason schedule tonight with a home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, and while head coach Joe Brady confirmed some starters are playing, don’t expect to see Josh Allen slingin’ it. The best news is Allen’s gonna stay safe on the sidelines, meaning Shane Buechele is taking all the snaps under center. Yeah, the box score might not matter, but for so many guys on that field, this game is absolutely massive.
The Defense Has Got To Prove It Tonight
Forget the final score, because what really matters tonight is who earns their spot. This has always been the vibe under former head coach Sean McDermott. One of the biggest question marks? Second-year cornerback Maxwell Hairston. With a whole new defensive scheme in town, are his days as a starter numbered? Can this dude actually deliver in man-cover situations? This is his shot to hold off rookie Davison Igbinosun, and whether he plays a ton or barely at all, tonight tells us everything about Hairston’s immediate future. This is high stakes!
And listen, the running back room? It’s a whole different kind of war. James Cook III, Ty Johnson, and Ray Davis are locked in for starting snaps, no doubt. But behind them, it’s Frank Gore Jr. and Ian Wheeler scrapping for every single carry, desperate to earn significant consideration for the regular season and beyond. Everyone’s been talkin’ about the “noise” Wheeler’s made, but is *this* finally Gore Jr.’s year to break through? You know those two are gonna leave it all out there.
Wideouts Ready To Ball Out and Battles In The Trenches
The top of the wide receiver depth chart is pretty set with DJ Moore, Khalil Shakir, Keon Coleman, and Joshua Palmer leading the way. But the options behind them? There are a ton! Keep your eyes glued to rookies Skyler Bell, Ja’Mori Maclin, and Max Tomczak. And don’t sleep on veteran receivers Mecole Hardman Jr., Trent Sherfield, Stephen Gosnell, Dante Pettis, and Quentin Skinner. Every snap against the Steelers is a chance for one of these guys to grab a spot.
On the defensive side, you gotta watch how defensive tackle Greg Gaines is deployed. What kind of contributions is he bringing to Buffalo’s trenches? That’s a huge deal. And is the battle at linebacker settled, really? Terrel Bernard and Dorian Williams are the presumed starters, but new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard is gonna be watching Kaleb Elarms-Orr, Joe Andreessen, Keonta Jenkins, Jimmy Ciarlo, Theron Gaines, and Otis Reese IV like a hawk. Any one of them could give Leonhard pause before he names his starting inside ‘backers. And the outside linebacker/edge rusher spots behind Greg Rousseau? That’s another wide-open fight!
So, while the scoreboard might be irrelevant, tonight is pure football drama. These players are fighting for their NFL careers, for roster spots, and for the chance to contribute when the games *really* count. Keep your eyes peeled, because the decisions made tonight are gonna shape that Bills roster heading into the season. This isn’t just a game, it’s an audition.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Buffalo Rumblings.
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