Buffalo Bills win first preseason game over Colts, 23-19

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. – The Buffalo Bills held on for a 23-19 win over the Indianapolis Colts in their first and only home game of the 2023 NFL preseason.

Safety Damar Hamlin stole the show, playing in his first game since collapsing on the field on Jan. 2 against the Cincinnati Bengals. Hamlin, who is still trying to make this year’s team, finished with three tackles.

Cornerback Dane Jackson made the biggest play of the day for the Bills, picking off Anthony Richardson to set up the Bills for their first touchdowns. Running back James Cook punched it in, to help put the Bills up 7-0.

With Josh Allen out, quarterback play was split between Kyle Allen and Matt Barkley. Allen started, but only went 8-15 for 122 yards, and an interception that the Colts returned for a TD. Barkley was nearly perfect, completing 14-of-15 passes for 172 yards and 2 TDs.

Six different Bills receivers went for at least 30 yards, with KeeSean Johnson and Andy Isabella leading the way with three receptions for 42 yards each.

Buffalo will travel to Pittsburgh next weekend when they face the Steelers on Saturday at 6:30 p.m.