Allen, Bills starters to play Saturday in 1st game at new Highmark Stadium

Buffalo Bills head coach Joe Brady announced that Josh Allen and all healthy starters will play in Saturday's preseason opener against the Carolina Panthers at the new Highmark Stadium, according to ESPN.

Saturday will mark the first game ever played at the team's new Highmark Stadium. The Bills held their first football activities in the venue last Saturday night with the team's "Return of the Blue & Red" practice. The regular-season portion of the stadium schedule opens on September 17 against the Detroit Lions.

Brady cited wanting to see tackling and finishing plays as part of his decision to have starters play. "It's our first opportunity for us to come together and show an example of what the Buffalo Bills are about," Brady said, per ESPN. On Allen's health, Brady said: "If you kind of just dip your toe in, that's when I think bad happens. So, if we're out there going, we're going."

Allen, a nine-year veteran, did not play in the preseason at all last season under former head coach Sean McDermott, marking the first year he did not play a preseason snap. Allen said after practice he wanted to play to gain familiarity with the new stadium and teammates. "I'd love to play," Allen said. "I couldn't tell you how long or how many drives or what's the case there, but to get out there and get a good feeling and a good sense of the game and get a good sense of the guys around me, I feel like that's important to do."

Brady did not disclose how much the starters would play. He noted that circumstances could change after Thursday's practice session, leaving the decision open to adjustment based on subsequent performance and health status.