Buffalo Bills vs Indianapolis Colts – Preseason Week 1 Preview
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ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (WHEC) – The Buffalo Bills play their first game of the 2022 NFL preseason against the Indianapolis Colts on Saturday.
Buffalo Bills Gameday Basics
Teams: Buffalo Bills vs Indianapolis Colts
Time: Saturday at 4 p.m.
What’s At Stake?
The Buffalo Bills roam into the preseason with their most important roster spot stabilized. Josh Allen is the franchise quarterback and will not play in at least Saturday’s preseason game to risk any injury.
With that being said, there are still impressions to be made around the depth chart.
On the defense, the Bills are looking for players to step up in the secondary. Tre White is still rehabbing from an ACL injury he suffered last Thanksgiving. Jordan Poyer hyperextended his elbow during training camp. That means guys like Dane Jackson, Taron Johnson, and Jaquan Johnson might be called upon when the regular season starts. They’ll have the chance to prove themselves in the preseason.
On offense, the wide receiver group is the most important one to watch. Isaiah McKenzie made big strides in the offseason and at training camp. Khalil Shakir shined at camp as a rookie. However, it’s such a big position group, it’s tough to separate all of the talent. Saturday’s game against Indianapolis could help piece together the puzzle.
Player To Watch
James Cook
The Buffalo Bills play their first game of the 2022 NFL preseason against the Indianapolis Colts on Saturday.
Two rookies – Kaiir Elam and James Cook – will likely find big roles with the Buffalo Bills this season. But against the Colts, Cook is the one to watch.
Indianapolis gave up tied for the third-most touchdowns in the NFL last season. Of course, not all first string guys will play on Saturday, so that could mean a more depleted defense.
Cook should also get a fair amount of carries. The rookie is expected to compete for the starting running back job – easily the most open starting job of any of the skilled position groups. Given the Colts great defensive numbers from a year ago, if Cook impresses, it sure would give the Buffalo Bills some food for thought.