Joe Brady Confirms Josh Allen, Healthy Starters Will Play in Highmark Stadium Debut

Buffalo Bills head coach Joe Brady confirmed this week that quarterback Josh Allen and the rest of the team's healthy starters will take the field Saturday for the preseason opener against the Carolina Panthers — a game that also marks the first-ever contest at the franchise's new Highmark Stadium.

Brady's Approach

Speaking to reporters Thursday, Brady said he is planning on everyone who is healthy playing in Saturday's preseason opener against the Carolina Panthers, including quarterback Josh Allen. "Things can change after today's practice, but right now, everybody that's healthy is going to be playing out there on Saturday," Brady said Thursday.

The decision marks a departure from last season, when Allen sat out all three preseason games, with Saturday's contest set to be his first preseason action since August 10, 2024.

Brady, in his first year as an NFL head coach, explained his reasoning by pointing to Allen's style of play as a standard-setter for the roster. Brady told reporters "everybody that's healthy is going to be playing out there on Saturday," a decision that includes Allen despite his physical style of play potentially leading to some reluctance from his head coach to put him on the field in a game that doesn't count. But Brady is embracing the opportunity, particularly as it's the first game in new Highmark Stadium.

"I mean, you guys have had conversations with Josh and know how he plays. There's only one way that he plays, right?" Brady said.

Brady added that the message extends beyond just Allen. "So, if we're out there going, we're going," he said. "I would hope that he's mindful of [it being the preseason], but I want him to be competitive and be Josh Allen."

Limited Snaps, Big Stakes for Stadium Opener

Despite the plan to play starters, snap counts are expected to be brief. The starters are expected to play only a series or two to ensure they remain healthy while staying engaged in the game-day process.

The game carries added significance beyond typical preseason evaluation. Saturday will mark the first game ever played at the team's new Highmark Stadium. Brady's roster has undergone substantial change this offseason, as the defense transitions to a 3-4 scheme under first-year coordinator Jim Leonhard and is expected to feature at least five new starters.

On the other side of the ball, the Panthers are also expected to get a look at their starting unit. Bryce Young and the Panthers' starters are expected to make their preseason debut Saturday in Buffalo, joining the action for the first time this preseason.

Kickoff between the Panthers and Bills is slated for 1 p.m. at the newly opened venue in Orchard Park.