Josh Allen will be working with the starters while Nathan Peterman practices with the second string today, Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott announced at a media scrum before Monday’s practice. McDermott mentioned the ongoing quarterback rotation as context, and the roles were reversed for Peterman and Allen during the previous day’s practice. Nevertheless, it represents a step forward for Allen, who had never earned a day of exclusive work with the first string during training camp.
#Bills HC Sean McDermott on the quarterback rotation, where rookie Josh Allen is taking first team reps today. @SPECNewsBuffalo pic.twitter.com/H3fWv6La2w
— Andy Young (@AndyYoungTV) August 20, 2018
Peterman, through two weeks of preseason games, has done everything he should to earn a starting job at the beginning of the season. He’s 17-of-20 passing for 231 yards (11.6 yards per attempt) with two touchdowns and an interception that bounced of his receiver’s hands. He’s only taken a single sack while playing one game with Buffalo’s starters and one with the third string.
His teammate Allen has been less statistically impressive, but repeatedly pops on the field with plays that show advanced maturity along with his physical talents. The rookie went 3-for-3 on scoring drives after Buffalo’s starters notched four straight three-and-outs last week against the Cleveland Browns. Through the preseason, he’s 18-of-32 passing for 176 yards and two touchdowns. Though he’s taken two sacks, he also added six carries for 47 yards.
AJ McCarron was also in the mix for a starting role through the first half of the preseason, but his shoulder injury will take him out of the running for this one.
The Bills have their preseason “dress rehearsal” game on Sunday, August 26th, in Buffalo against the Cincinnati Bengals. The player who earns the starting role for that game will have the inside track at being the opening day starter.