It’s almost impossible to find fault with Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott’s decision to not play starters during most of the team’s three 2024 preseason games. Preseason football has no bearing on regular-season standings, instead serving as a dress rehearsal for systems to get on the same page, and an opportunity for teams’ newest players to get up to speed.
Every NFL team wants to avoid unnecessary injury, and playing starters in meaningless football games increases the likelihood that players get hurt. The risk doesn’t change in the regular season, but the quality of play is far different.