Josh Allen to Sit Out Entire Preseason for First Time

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen will not participate in the preseason for the first time in his career, marking a significant shift in his preparation routine. Head Coach Sean McDermott confirmed during a news conference on Thursday that Allen will miss the upcoming game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on August 26, 2023. He also sat out the Bills’ first two preseason games, reflecting a strategic decision by the coaching staff.

McDermott emphasized the importance of protecting Allen, stating, “You’ve got the reigning MVP, and I feel that he’s shown to this point that he’s in a good spot.” The coach reassured fans that Allen is “on schedule and he’s looked good,” despite not participating in the preseason games. Allen has been a full participant in training camp, missing only one team period and recently took part in a joint practice with the Chicago Bears.

As Allen heads into his eighth season, he carries the momentum of a successful previous year, where he achieved his first MVP title. Notably, he recorded the fewest turnovers (eight) and sacks (fourteen) in his career during the last season. This performance has raised expectations for the upcoming season, with many analysts considering the Bills strong contenders in the NFL.

The decision to rest Allen indicates a cautious approach by the Bills’ coaching staff as they prepare for the regular season. The team aims to ensure that their star quarterback is in optimal condition when the games begin to count.

While the focus remains on Allen, McDermott mentioned that decisions regarding other first-team players for the upcoming game are still being evaluated. The Bills look to finalize their roster as they gear up for their regular-season opener, emphasizing a balance between readiness and player health.

As the preseason concludes, the anticipation builds for how Allen and the Buffalo Bills will perform when they take the field in the regular season, aiming for a deep playoff run.