Buffalo Bills starters to play first quarter on in preseason opener

The Buffalo Bills begin their slate of preseason games this Thursday night against the Minnesota Vikings and the team’s starters should expect to play “about a quarter, give or take.” That’s according to coach Sean McDermott, who told reporters that before Tuesday’s final practice.

“You'll see some blending in there, but for the most part a quarter,” reiterated McDermott. That includes wide receiver Sammy Watkins, who was asked about specifically.

In discussing the importance of preseason games, McDermott indicated that he and his coaching staff put quite a bit of emphasis on how players perform when the lights come on.

“We do get a lot off the evaluation in-game,” said McDermott. “We come to find out things we never knew before. Just like when you go from spring where it's just helmets to full pads. There's a difference. Some things come out. So that will be part of the evaluation of what we're anxious to see come Thursday night.”

While fans recognize the role evaluation plays in preseason games, most of us will simply be excited to see the team compete on New Era Field for the first time in over eight months.