Bears coach Ben Johnson confirmed this week that Caleb Williams and the rest of the team’s starters will be on the field for Sunday’s preseason against the Bills.
Ahead of Buffalo’s joint practice with Chicago on Friday, Bills coach Sean McDermott said the playing-time plan for the weekend hadn’t been finalized. He noted the team would first complete the practice, review the injury report, and then reset plans for the game that night.
McDermott joked that he’d like to keep star quarterback Josh Allen in a bubble, but he also stressed the aim of giving Allen some live reps if the risk of injury can be controlled. He said the Bills want to get Allen some playing time with healthy receivers, if possible.
The Bills coach also indicated he’d like to see running back James Cook get some action after Cook signed a contract extension to end his hold-in. With Cook’s new deal and the goal of giving Allen more game reps, there are reasons to play some players this weekend, McDermott said.
However, McDermott reiterated that timing will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Some young players may perform well in practice or in Friday’s session but still need more reps and experience, so decisions will depend on how each player looks and what the team needs.
Kickoff for Sunday’s game is set for 8 p.m. ET, and the matchup will be televised nationally on Fox.
What to watch:
– How Williams performs in his preseason opportunity with Chicago’s starters.
– The Bills’ approach to balancing readiness for the regular season with the need to protect key players.
– The usage of James Cook and other veterans in the lineup to build chemistry with the skill players.
– Injury updates from Friday’s practice and how they influence Sunday’s rotation.
Summary: The upcoming preseason clash will serve as a barometer for both teams’ plans—Chicago looking to give Williams and its starters meaningful reps, and Buffalo weighing how much to play Allen and others while prioritizing health and long-term readiness.
Positive note: The setup gives fans a firsthand view of how these teams are building depth and chemistry ahead of the regular season, with coaches weighing experience, health, and development as they finalize their rosters.