Josh Allen will play in the preseason for the first time in more than two years.
And he's not alone.
Buffalo Bills coach Joe Brady said Allen and the team's other healthy starters will play Saturday against the Carolina Panthers in the preseason opener at new Highmark Stadium.
"Everybody that's healthy is going to be playing out there on Saturday," Brady said Thursday.
Allen hasn't taken a preseason snap since Aug. 10, 2024, when he played one series against the Chicago Bears. He sat out the final two preseason games that year and didn't play at all last preseason.
Allen is ready to change that.
"I'd love to play," Allen said Thursday. "Couldn't tell you how long or how many drives or what's the case there. To get out there and get a good feeling
and a good sense of the game and a good sense of the guys around me. I feel that's important to do."
The decision marks a change from last season under former Bills coach Sean McDermott.
Allen wasn't the only established offensive starter who didn't take a preseason snap in 2025. Running back James Cook, left tackle Dion Dawkins, tight end Dalton Kincaid and wide receiver Khalil Shakir also were held out for the entire preseason.
Brady is taking a different approach in his first preseason as Bills head coach.
Saturday also gives Allen a chance to learn something he hasn't had to worry about during his first eight NFL seasons: a new home field.
The Bills held the Return of the Blue & Red practice at new Highmark Stadium last week, but the preseason opener will be Allen's first opportunity to experience the $2.2 billion stadium in a game against another team.
Allen said there are details he wants to learn before the regular season begins.
"Adaptability within the grass," Allen said. "Understanding where where the game clocks are. The different lights. Light patterns make a difference for the receivers and punt returners, kick returners. There's quite a few different variables out there and to get as comfortable as we can before we play in there is very beneficial for us."
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Will Josh Allen play in Bills' preseason game today vs. Panthers?
