In a highly anticipated showdown this Saturday, the Buffalo Bills will face off against the Carolina Panthers to wrap up their preseason. While the starters will be taking a backseat in this game, there are still plenty of burning questions that need answering before Week 1 kicks off.
The Bills have had a tumultuous summer, with a string of injuries and lackluster performances from key players causing concern among fans and analysts alike. This offseason saw a major roster overhaul, but the results so far have been less than stellar, leading some to question whether Buffalo still has what it takes to be a Super Bowl contender.
As the Bills prepare to take on the Panthers, all eyes will be on the reserves, particularly those on the roster bubble. A strong showing from these players could inject some much-needed positivity into the team heading into the regular season.
One player who will be under the microscope is backup quarterback Mitch Trubisky. While he has been handed the second-string role behind Josh Allen, his lackluster performance in training camp and preseason games, coupled with a recent knee injury, have cast doubt on his readiness for the season. With Trubisky’s status up in the air for Week 1, this game will give backups DiNucci and Brown a chance to stake their claim for the No. 2 spot on the depth chart.
DiNucci, who was signed last week after Shane Buechele’s season-ending injury, had limited opportunities to showcase his skills in his last outing against the Bears. Brown, a recent addition to the team, is also expected to see limited action in response to Trubisky’s injury. However, a strong performance from either quarterback in this final preseason game could sway the coaching staff in their favor, as Buffalo looks for alternative offensive options beyond Allen.
Ultimately, the Bills’ fate hangs on the health of their star quarterback. While Allen has been a standout player for the team, the lack of a reliable backup could spell disaster if he were to miss any significant playing time in the upcoming season. As the Bills look to close out the preseason on a high note, all eyes will be on the reserves to step up and prove they have what it takes to support the team in their quest for Super Bowl glory.
