Bills' McDermott Reveals Why Josh Allen, Starters Are Playing vs. Bears

The Buffalo Bills' starters will play on Saturday against the Chicago Bears. And despite Buffalo's struggles against the Pittsburgh Steelers, some may feel that the risk of injury outweighs getting a few more reps before the season.

The last preseason game is usually for second and third-stringers and players fighting for a roster spot. 

That won't be the case for the Buffalo Bills at Solider Field on Saturday, at least to start the game, as Bills coach Sean McDermott announced Thursday that Josh Allen and the starters will play against the Chicago Bears.

"It's just what I feel is best for the team right now," McDermott said. "Every preseason is different based on where guys are and where the team is, so they're going to play this week. I feel like it's best for where we're at right now."

While it's atypical, it's not a complete shock that McDermott is opting to play his starters after the team's showing in their 27-15 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday. Buffalo had 13 penalties and four turnovers, including three interceptions by quarterback Matt Barkley. Among the Bills' 13 penalties was a stretch of three straight by the offensive line that turned 2nd and 10 at Pittsburgh's 38-yard-line to 2nd and 34 at their 38-yard-line. 

To try and fix Buffalo's issues with penalties, McDermott has adopted a more old-school approach at practice by having a player run a lap when they commit a penalty. 

"It's a reminder of how important not beating yourself is," McDermott said. "We're going to pull you out, so you're going to miss a rep, and you're going to go and get some conditioning in there as a reminder."

The Bills will look to build some momentum heading into the regular season when they head to Soldier Field on Saturday to play the Bears at 1 p.m. ET.

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