Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen will miss all preseason games for the first time in his career after head coach Sean McDermott decided to keep Allen sidelined during Saturday’s preseason finale against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The decision reflects the coaching staff’s approach to managing Allen’s workload ahead of the regular season.
McDermott explained that Allen has participated fully in nearly every training camp practice this year, including the recent joint session with the Chicago Bears, which has given Allen ample preparation without the risks of game action.
Coach McDermott Prioritizes Allen’s Health and Team Performance
“[You’ve] got the reigning MVP, and I feel that he’s shown to this point that he’s in a good spot,”
McDermott said, underlining the confidence in Allen’s readiness despite his preseason absence. The Bills coach also emphasized his duty to protect Allen, who is known for his durability.
Since entering the NFL, Allen has started 118 consecutive games, including playoff appearances, marking the longest active streak in the league. His playing style, which combines mobility and toughness, has helped him avoid significant injury so far.
While Allen remains out of preseason play, McDermott is still considering which other starters will take the field during the remaining exhibition games. The coach has been openly critical of Buffalo’s recent preseason performances, signaling a need for improvement as the regular season approaches.
Buffalo’s Preseason Struggles Spur Urgency for Improvement
Following the Bills’ 38-0 defeat to the Chicago Bears in their second preseason game, McDermott expressed disappointment with the team’s overall performance.
“Certainly not up to our standard, what we expect,”
McDermott remarked.
He continued,
“Got a lot of work to do, that’s very clear. Doesn’t matter who’s out there — ones, twos, threes, fours — whoever it is, we expect them to perform and we expect our level of performance to be much better than that.”
This statement highlights the pressure on all players, regardless of their position on the depth chart, to elevate their play before the season begins.
Implications for the Bills’ Upcoming Season
The choice to rest Josh Allen during preseason games indicates a cautious strategy by the Bills to maintain their star quarterback’s health and readiness. Given Allen’s key role and history of durability, avoiding unnecessary risks in preseason could help sustain his consecutive start streak into the regular season and playoffs.
At the same time, the team’s lackluster preseason outings signal challenges the Bills must address in order to compete effectively. How McDermott manages player reps and improves overall execution in the coming weeks will be critical to their success.