In their second preseason game, the Buffalo Bills will take on the Pittsburgh Steelers from Acrisure Stadium at 7 p.m. Buffalo, coming off of a 33-6 loss at home to the Chicago Bears, will play their starters for almost one half of football.
Heading into the game, the Bills have roster spots up for grabs and some storylines to follow. Here are four things to watch on Saturday night.
How does Dorian Williams look starting alongside Terrel Bernard?
Dorian Williams will make his first start opposite Terrel Bernard since it was announced that Matt Milano would miss significant time this season due to a biceps injury. Williams has run with the first team multiple times this summer, but this will be his first action knowing that he will play significant reps this season. Williams was one of the team’s defensive standouts at Thursday’s joint practice. Replicating that type of performance on Saturday night against the Steelers would make Bills fans feel somewhat better about the absence of Milano.
Will the offensive line rebound against the Steelers’ defensive line?
Much like last week, there won’t be much game planning in tonight’s matchup against Pittsburgh. Chicago’s defensive line was far more physical than Buffalo’s OL and it showed. Saturday night’s matchup is a good chance for the unit to rebound and show that they can hold their own against one of the most physical teams in the NFL. The unit performed well on Thursday and needs to follow up on that performance in their preseason game.
Can any bubble players get closer to a roster spot?
Most of the Bills’ roster is set in place, but jobs are there for the taking on the bottom of the roster. At wide receiver, a strong performance by Tyrell Shavers could help him make a case for the No. 5 or No. 6 wide receiver job. Marquez Valdes-Scantling would also help ease some worries about the team’s depth at the position with some receptions down the field.
Other bubble players to watch include Quintin Morris, Zach Davidson, KJ Hamler, Javon Solomon, Kingsley Jonathan, Tylan Grable and others.
How does Buffalo’s special teams unit fare?
Tyler Bass went 2-for-2 in Buffalo’s preseason opener but missed a few field goal attempts this week. Buffalo needs Bass to be more consistent this season and making kicks in games, even preseason games, will help in that regard.
Sam Martin had an up-and-down night in the punting game against Chicago. There is no competition currently on Buffalo’s roster for Martin, but if he struggles in the final two preseason games, Buffalo may at least look to see who is available.
Coverage and returner jobs are also still up for grabs. Saturday night’s game against the Steelers will be important for the special teams unit.
More buffalo bills
- Bills’ Keon Coleman speaks on dropped TD vs. Steelers: ‘Got to make that catch’
- Buffalo Bills fan wins once-in-a-lifetime prize at Fanatics Fest
- Buffalo Bills signing former Baltimore Ravens QB ahead of preseason finale
- Bills face concerning injury outlook: 2 WRs to miss multiple weeks
- Bills PFF Grades: The best and worst from Buffalo’s 9-3 win over Steelers