The Buffalo Bills will conclude their exhibition season on Thursday with their third and final preseason contest at home against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Kickoff from Highmark Stadium is at 7 p.m.
It is another opportunity for head coach Joe Brady and his staff to assess his roster before cutting down to 53 players at the end of the summer. On the flip side, it gives those same players and opportunity to impress.
With that, here are Bills Wire's five things to watch for against the Steelers in Week 3 of the preseason:
Which starters play?
This does not include the likes of quarterback Josh Allen and cemented starters, however, Buffalo head coach Joe Brady did announce that some first-team players will play against the Steelers. Brady did not specify exactly who, but
it is expected that players in a position battle such as Alec Anderson and Austin Corbett at left guard will see playing time.
Where does Jim Leonhard decide to stay during game?
Defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard has led Buffalo's defense from two places so far in the preseason: On the sideline and up in the coaches' booth. It's unclear what he will decide on for the regular season, but it could make a difference. What he does against the Steelers could be a telling sign into what he plans to do throughout the 2026 season.
Will Josh Allen call plays?
Considering it's the preseason and it does not count, Josh Allen has expressed his interest in being the Bills' play caller during the game. It sounds like it could really happen, too:
Coach Allen? Joe Brady may give Josh a shot at calling plays in the preseason finale. pic.twitter.com/dxMVKb74fE
— Josh Reed (@4JoshReed) August 25, 2026
Preseason debuts
With all the injuries the Bills have had throughout the summer, it is expected some players could possibly make their 2026 debuts against Pittsburgh. The most anticipated one for many fans will be fourth-roundrookie wide receiver Skyler Bell.
Any injury updates
Finally, will we get any injury updates during this contest?
That could come in the most obvious way, anyone who plays among those that have been recently listed on the injury report. In addition, during mid or post-game interviews, the likes of someone like Brady could reveal status updates for players with the regular season right around the corner.
This article originally appeared on Bills Wire: Bills vs. Steelers: 5 things to watch for during preseason Week 3 game
