Five Buffalo Bills Who Need a Strong Preseason Debut vs. Panthers

The Buffalo Bills had their first showing at the new Highmark Stadium on Saturday as they hosted fans for their annual Return of the Blue & Red Scrimmage. This weekend, they will play against an opposing team for the first time in their new home.

This Saturday, Buffalo welcomes the Carolina Panthers in Week 1 of the preseason. Neither team is likely to play many starters, but the preseason is never focused on the star players.

Instead, the exhibition games give players on the roster bubble a chance to prove they deserve to make the team. That being the case, here are five Bills who need to stand out against Carolina to improve their chances of making the 53-man roster.

Mike Danna, EDGE

Buffalo Bills defensive end Mike Danna trains during Buffalo Bills Minicamp. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Veteran Mike Danna spent the past six seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs and had a standout campaign in 2023 with 6.5 sacks. Entering 2026, he's on the bubble with the Bills and has to prove he's a superior option to Javon Solomon. This Saturday will be a great chance for him to gain an advantage.

Sedrick Van Pran-Granger, C

Buffalo Bills center Sedrick Van Pran-Granger warms up during a training camp session at St. John Fisher University. | USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect

With Connor McGovern out, the Bills will turn to Lloyd Cushenberry as the starter at center, but Sedrick Van Pran-Granger will have a chance to prove he deserves to be in the conversation. Cushenberry has the experience advantage, but Pran-Granger has the chemistry with the team. He can use that on Saturday to make a case for himself.

Dante Pettis, WR

Bills WR Dante Pettis pulls in a pass during the final day of Buffalo Bills training camp at St. John Fisher University. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Mecole Hardman Jr. seemed to be destined for a spot as a wide receiver and kick returner, but he suddenly has competition from Dante Pettis. Signed after a tryout early in camp, Pettis has made several impressive plays during practices and could give the Bills a spark in the passing game.

He's also shown promise as a return man, averaging 8.5 yards on punt returns and 24.8 yards on kick returns the past two seasons with the New Orleans Saints. Hardman has the advantage since he was with the franchise in 2025, but Pettis can close the gap with a strong preseason debut.

Kyle Allen, QB

Bills Kyle Allen throws to a receiver during a drill at the Return of the Blue and Red practice at Highmark Stadium. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Kyle Allen was signed this offseason as a replacement for Mitchell Trubisky, who left in free agency. Allen, who started his career with the Carolina Panthers in 2018, played for Buffalo in 2023 and was the primary reserve behind Josh Allen. He was expected to reclaim that spot, but a shaky camp has his spot in jeopardy. This weekend, he has a chance to ease concerns if he can put together a solid outing against his former team.

Shane Buechele, QB

Buffalo Bills quarterback Shane Buechele throws a pass against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

With Kyle Allen struggling, Shane Buechele had a golden opportunity to supplant him as the No. 2 guy. Unfortunately, he's also had his struggles during camp and hasn't been able to capitalize. He could tilt things in his favor, however, should he outperform Allen on Saturday.

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